NAPE anti-budget campaign visits Bonavista

Union workers and supporters of NAPE gathered in Bonavista on Monday to protest the Newfoundland and Labrador budget.

The crowds rallied outside the Advanced Education and Skills building, which will be closing due to cuts announced in the April 14 budget.

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The co-ordinated rally was one of many that are happening across Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees'campaign against the budget.

NAPE president Jerry Earlesaidaround 200 people at the rally in Bonavista, and they weren't just NAPE members.

"I met people who drove in from other communities, there were concerned citizens and business leaders," said Earle.

Betty Fitzgerald, the mayor of Bonavista, alsogave a speech voicing her opinion.

Atmosphere

Earle said the atmosphere of the rally reflected the feelings of a lot of people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"It was certainly one where people were frustrated," he said.

"They were very concerned with the community of Bonavista. What's happening there reflects the entire region."

Earle said the closure of this building,mixed with other changes being made in the area, will result in the loss of about 10jobs.

He said a lot of people were questioning how much money this would actually be saving the province.

"They feel it is absolutelynot necessary, and there's no true justification," he said.

"[Government] says it's financial, but business people [present at the rally] said there will be no savings, and it'll cost people more to go ahead with these actions."