Premier says he never told Nova Scotians to take the bus
15.05.2008 12:00
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- Source: cbc.ca
Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald is trying again to set the record straight, saying he never told people to take the bus in response to rising gas prices. MacDonald has already taken issue with a headline in the Halifax Chronicle-Herald that read "Premier to Drivers: Take the Bus." On April 25, CBCNews.ca carried a story with the headline: "Gas Prices Too High? Premier Says Take the Bus." Now he has sent letters to 24 weekly and daily newspapers around the province to clarify that he actually suggested Nova Scotians take "the opportunity for transit." He did not send the letter to the Chronicle-Herald. As CBCNews.ca reported, MacDonald told reporters outside the legislature on April 25, "The most important thing that we as a government can do, and all Nova Scotians can do, is to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles and to take up the opportunity for transit." The comments were met with an angry backlash from Nova Scotians, most of whom do not have bus service. The premier's office received 38 phone calls and 47 e-mails taking MacDonald to task. "I'm still getting calls about it," MacDonald wrote in the letter sent to newspapers. "Let me tell you, no one was angrier than me because I did not say it!" The premier says in his letter that it wouldn't make sense for him to tell people to take the bus, when he knows there is no bus service in his hometown of Mabou. Asked Tuesday why he has gone to these lengths to clear up the issue, MacDonald replied: "I've provided clarity on the issue. The letter speaks for itself. You know when misinformation goes out there I'm going to correct it." Gordie Gosse, an NDP MLA representing Cape Breton Nova, said it's clear to him what the premier meant. "What's transit? We don't have a subway system here. This is not Boston or New York. This is Nova Scotia. Transit system is bus," Gosse said. MacDonald pointed out his government is offering municipalities $3 million this year for transit. And, he said, the NDP won't support that initiative because they have decided to vote against the budget. With files from the Canadian PressPost a commentPeople have commented on this storyRecommend this storyPeople have recommended this storyStory Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKStory comments (0)Sort:Most recent | First to last | Most recommendedPost your commentNote: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are pre-moderated/reviewed and published according to our submission guidelines. Comment:Characters allowed: 2500PostSubmission policyRelatedInternal LinksGas prices too high? Premier says take the busConsumer HeadlinesTake 5 pennies off the gas pump, taxpayers federation urges Ottawa00The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, as part of its annual Gas Tax Honesty Day, will be paying the tax on drivers' fuel at some filling stations across the country Wednesday. Smith Snacks small sub sandwiches recalled: CFIA 00Consumers in Newfoundland and Labrador are being warned not to consume a particular type of submarine sandwich, which the manufacturer is recalling.Halifax police arrest 3 people in debit machine tampering00Halifax Regional Police arrested three people Monday in connection with a debit machine tampering scam at metro businesses. Heating fuel, diesel costs surge for N.L. consumers00Newfoundland and Labrador's fuels regulator approved substantial jumps Thursday in the retail costs of home heating oil and diesel fuel. Ford recalls 50,000 Ford F-150, Lincoln Mark LT trucks in Canada00Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 50,000 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickup trucks in Canada to fix a hose that could affect the vehicles' braking power.Consumer Life FeaturesENERGYEthanol FAQThe merits of alternative fuel still hotly debatedTECHNOLOGYFast foodNew techniques for making fast food fasterTRAVELSecurityExpect delays: Countries tighten regulationsBLOGFood BytesNoodles and critters al frescoBLOGComm-OdditiesShipping containers could become condos in DetroitPeople who read this also read …
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