Eddie Joyce says he's fighting for local jobs, even as his own remains in flux

As a protest over construction jobs at the long-term care centre site in Corner Brook drags into its ninth day, MHAEddie Joyce is voicing his support for local tradespeople

But as an investigation into harrassment and bullying allegations continues,Joyce's own political position remains clouded byuncertainty.

"Iwas up there four or five times. Iknow them all personally,every one of them," Joyce saidof the members of Ironworkers Local 764 who have stakedout at the site since June 11, angry that PEI-based subcontractorMacDougall SteelErectors has been using out-of-province workers.

"Iunderstand where they're coming from.Itotally agree we should have local people here, but you have to do it in a fiscally responsible way," he said.

• Ironworkers accuse subcontractor for Corner Brookfacility of passing over local workers

Despite his protestappearances, some ironworkers felt Joyce was making empty promises.

"I asked the guy, when is this going to happen?He said, I don't know. How many guys are they going to hire local? He don't know," said Todd Murphy.

"I told the guy he's wasting our time and his time by coming here and preaching false information. You got no answers for us."

Joyce's ability to politically influence events is, at the moment, limited. He has been sitting as an independent MHAsince being booted from the Liberal caucus at the end of April, for allegations of harassment and bullying of other provincial politicians.

The review into his case is still underway,but that hasn't stopped Joyce from continuing to regularly pop up at local events in his district of Humber-Bay of Islands, as well campaigning for causes beyond its borders, such as theconstruction dispute.

• Eddie Joyce removed from Liberal caucus following complaints of harassment, bullying

'No comment whatsoever'

Joyce hasn't spokenpublicly about the review processsince he became an independent, but even when askednow, he isn't saying much.

"I'm not going to comment on it whatsoever," he said.

• Municipal Affairs Minister Eddie Joyce subject of harassment complaint

During this past weekend's Liberal convention, which Joyce would usually attend, he instead kept busy attending multiple events in his district.

"After 25, 26 years of government and you're still getting invited to all those events, it means a lot to me," he said.

"Ialways said, back in 1989,when Igot elected, there's only twothings I'll guarantee:I'll be available, and I'll be dependable. And Istill stick to that commitment today."

The review into Joyce's behaviour is expected to be complete by the end ofJuly. Regardlessof the outcome, Joyce is clear he isn't walking away from a chance at re-election in 2019.

"I've got all the intents of running again."

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