Dunderdale slams feds for role in search for Labrador teen

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale says the federal government failed to live up to its "humanitarian responsibility" in the search for Burton Winters.

Dunderdale says Ottawa's failure to dispatch Cormorant helicopters to aid in the search was an error in judgement.

The premier's tough words come as she is seeking a face-to-face meeting with the prime minister.

"The federal government doesnt have a responsibility, a dedicated responsibility, to respond to ground search and rescue in this province, but they have a humanitarian responsibility, and I dont believe they lived up [to it]," Dunderdale told the legislature Tuesday.

Dunderdale made the comments after she exchanged a series of letters with Defence Minister Peter MacKay. The premier says she will make that correspondence public soon. She says she is not satisifed with Ottawa's responses.

Winters, 14, was reported missing on Jan. 29. His body was recovered on Feb. 1 from the sea ice outside his hometown of Makkovik.

With the Labrador teen lost on the Labrador ice, the federal government opted not to send Cormorant helicopters to aid in the search, citing bad weather and a lack of air support from Hercules aircraft.

Dunderdale says Ottawa could have dispatched a Cormorant from Gander and could have attempted a search.

Under attack

The premier has been under attack in recent weeks for being too soft on the feds.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael continued with that line of questioning in the house of assembly Tuesday.

"We have seen this government change its tune on a number of important issues," Michael said.

"Now we see them trying to do the same regarding their relationship with Stephen Harper. The people of this province will not forget the premier campaigning on stage with Stephen Harper."

Liberal Leader Dwight Ball asked Dunderdale to provide details of her pending meetings in Ottawa.

"When will they occur? What will you be talking about? When are they going to happen?"

At this point, there is no meeting set with the prime minister, just a request for one.

Harper has been out of the country attending a NATO meeting.And so far, Dunderdale hasn't received an answer.