Politicians shouldn't blame bureaucrats. When questioned by the Pen on why the provincial government announced plans to cut medical services at the Strait of Belle Isle Health Centre, then back peddled on those cuts when faced with outrage in the midst of a byelection for a story on page 1A of this issue, Premier Williams blamed the Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority.

"Paul Oram had proceeded on the basis of recommendations made to him by the health authority," stated Premier Williams.

He went on to say that when government consulted the local population, after two protests and a letter writing campaign by Straits area residents, he and newly minted health minister Paul Oram learned the hoped for savings would not be achieved and that the services were necessary.

It's not the health authority's fault that the Department of Health didn't consult the local population before announcing its plans to cut operating hours at a planned new hospital, which residents knew nothing about, and to remove laboratory and x-ray services.

Unfortunately, LG Health administrators aren't in a position to respond to the Premier's allegation because the premier is their boss.

The people running LG Health were here before Premier Williams came to office, will be here after the byelection is passed and many will still be toiling to provide us with good health care when the premier is gone from office.

Former health minister Paul Oram announced the cuts with the support of his cabinet. Premier Williams should not be blaming the cabinet's mistakes on bureaucrats who aren't allowed to publicly defend themselves.