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Williams lays out transition plans
ST. JOHN'S- Danny Williams has outlined his plans for
setting up his new government, following his convincing win in Tuesday's
election.
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Danny Williams
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Officially, he's not premier yet, but Williams says there's no time
to waste in taking the reins of government.
"We will act swiftly to provide the people of Newfoundland and Labrador
with the change for which they voted," he said at a news conference
Wednesday.
Williams has ordered deputy ministers and the heads of Crown corporations
to hand him budget updates by next week.
Williams has set up a three-person transition team headed by Ross
Reid, the party's campaign manager and former MP.
The team also includes Lorne Wheeler, Williams' chief policy advisor,
and newly elected Elizabeth Marshall, a former auditor general.
Bill Marshall, a recently retired Appeal Court judge and former PC
cabinet minister, will act as the liaison between Williams and departing
premier Roger Grimes.
Liberals warned against new contracts
Williams says the outgoing Liberal government should not make any
plans for spending announcements.
"I don't expect them to do that, "he says. "That would be irresponsible
for an outgoing government that, no longer has a mandate to take those
kind of actions. So, I'm trusting that Mr. Grimes and his government
will do the honourable thing, and I expect them to do that."
The PC leader says companies expecting to sign contracts with the
government should be cautious. "We're placing people on notice right
now that these matters should wait until we get in government."
Liberal promises will be under review
He also says the Conservatives are not obliged to honour spending
commitments that the Liberals made in the lead-up to the election
call on Sept. 29.
Earlier coverage: Deficit
may need outside audit: Williams
Williams is hunting for an independent auditor to review the province's
financial status.
He says government answers to questions in the House of Assembly and
a warning in the royal commission report on the province's place in
Canada convince him the finances are worse than the Liberals have
admitted.
Williams plans to meet with his new caucus early next week and is
aiming to have a new cabinet named in about two weeks.
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