Deep cuts to government services may be coming, Tories warn

The Opposition Progressive Conservativesare accusing the Liberal government of misleading voters about their plans to cut government services.

The Liberals talked about cutting "at least$250 million" during the provincial election campaign last fall, but are now saying they needto cut or raise $600 million.

On Wednesday, Tory MLA Kirk MacDonald mocked the Liberals' moving target for cuts by imitating an auctioneer.

"Do I hear $250 million? Who'll give me $250?" MacDonald said in the legislature. "Who'll give me $400 million? I have 400. Now who'll make it five or six [hundred million]?"

But all joking aside,the latest figure for proposed cuts has prompted MacDonald and other Opposition members to raise the spectre of deep cuts to government programs.

"How many hospitals and schools will be shut down? How many taxes will be raised, and how high?" asked MacDonald.

Tory MLA Ross Wetmorecalledon the Liberals to halt any school closures, at least until the government comes out with its promised 10-year education plan.

Wetmore's riding includesColes Island,where a small community school is being studied for closure.

Everything is on the table. That includes looking at inefficient schools, [and]looking at health care.- Victor Boudreau, minister in charge of strategic review

The Anglophone West School Districtis following policy 409, which requires local consultations for a year. But Wetmorecontendsthat's still moving too fast.

"Stop 409 closures until we have a plan," he told the legislature.

Another ToryMLA, Madeleine Dub, raised concerns about talk of turning small hospitals into nursing homes.

She says the previous Progressive Conservativegovernment was working on a plan to care for more seniors in the homes, but the Liberals have abandoned that plan

"We implemented $7 million to try to start the movement, and there was no investment. They stopped everything," she said.

'Situation has worsened a lot'

Victor Boudreau, the minister overseeing the government's strategic review, says "the situation has worsened a lot" since the election campaign, when the Liberals talked about cutting $250 million.

He says $400 million of the new $600 million target represents the provincial deficit, while $200 million is cuts needed so the Liberals have the money to pay for their promises.

Boudreausays he won't necessarily cut the fullamount. He may also opt to increase some taxes and fees.

"Everything is on the table," he said."That includes looking at inefficient schools, [and]looking at health care."

The toughest decisions, however, likely won't be announced until next year's budget, Boudreau said.