Liberals record on health care ‘just not good enough,’ says Hynes

By Mark Squibb

Political newcomer Darryl Hynes is campaigning for the Progressive Conservative Party in Mount Scio, a district which includes a portion of Paradise east of the Outer Ring Road and North of Kenmount Road and a portion of St. John’s further along Kenmount Road as far as Allandale Road.
Hynes boasts a Political Science degree from Memorial University, and over the years has worked for both the federal and provincial governments and has held a number of senior roles in health, finance, and education departments. He is a former president of the St. John’s East Kin Club and has chaired school councils and volunteered with other service groups and sports clubs.
“I think I have a good skill set and the experience to work for the people of Mount Scio,” said Hynes, who is looking to unseat Liberal incumbent Sarah Stoodely.
As he goes door to door, Hynes said, people are sharing their concerns about the new Churchill Falls deal, the state of healthcare, the rising cost of living, and increased crime.
“The provincial Liberals have gotten us into this mess after 10 years of government, and I don’t see that the NDP have a viable alternative,” said Hynes. “So, I certainly think it’s time for change, and that’s what I’m hearing at the doors. I think Tony Wakeham and his party have an excellent chance, and I hope to be a part of a new government under Mr. Wakeham.”
Speaking of the Churchill Falls deal, Hynes alleges that had the Liberals submitted it to an independent review, rather than simply hire a panel to oversee negotiations between this province and Quebec, a panel which is now a member short following the resignation of one member this spring over concerns about the deal, people would have a better idea now if the deal is a good one or not.
“Before we lock into a lopsided, 50-or-60-year deal that favours Quebec, we need to put the brakes on this and have a panel of experts review the deal,” said Hynes.
As for health care, Hynes said his party is offering “common-sense alternatives” to improve it – such as allowing nurse practitioners to bill the public health care system, tuition rebates for young doctors, the purchase of new MRI machines, and implementation of recruitment and retention policies.
“Every second door I’ve knocked on, I’ve heard an absolute horror story about someone who can’t access a service,” said Hynes. “I knocked on the door of a chemo patient the other night and she was supposed to go in to get her blood work to see how her blood count was, and she showed up to a locked door and a note to ‘Please call this number to rebook.’ It’s just not good enough.”