NEWS FILE PHOTO Medicine Hat Provincial Court is seen in this file photo.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel
The ministry of justice is strongly denying reports it ordered courts to stop providing tissues and water to witnesses as a cost-cutting measure.
“This morning media outlets were reporting that Alberta Courts will no longer provide water or tissues to witnesses and the judiciary. This is false,” said ministry of justice spokesperson Jonah Mozeson.
“Tissues will still be provided and witnesses and water to both witnesses and the judiciary. This has – and will not – change.”
Global News reported Tuesday night that the government had already removed the items from courthouses. It stands by its reporting, despite the government’s denial.
However, Mozeson confirmed lawyers will have to find a new place to make small talk at court, as their water coolers are getting removed, which he estimates will save the province’s courts $50,000.
“Lawyers will be responsible for providing their own water or can have filtered water available in water fountains, in the kitchen, and in break areas,” he said.
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes told the News that when it comes to reducing government expenses, every dollar counts.
“I don’t want to comment on the ministry’s managerial decision, but I want to say it’s time all Albertans started to realize $70 billion in debt is just deferred taxation for our kids and for our economy, so let’s do everything we can to ensure hard-earned tax dollars are spent with maximum value,” he said. “It’s time to look for savings wherever managers and ministers feel it’s appropriate.”
The Medicine Hat Court of Queen’s Bench did not respond to inquiries about whether it has removed tissue boxes and bottled water by press time.
Share this story:
11 -10
1 Comment
Oldest
NewestMost Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
GWM
4 years ago
As MLA Drew Barnes attempts to defend his government’s punitive policies for debt reduction, more than 4.7 billion dollars has been handed out to corporations in this province and not one dime of that money is being invested in people or in this province. In fact, companies are either financially rewarding executives and paying out shareholders or they are laying people off while others are taking their money and leaving the province.
Where are those promised jobs, Mr. Barnes?
Adding insult to injury, Mr Barnes neglects to mention how Jason Kenney just asked rural Albertan’s to cut O&G companies some slack over their unpaid taxes in the amount of 173 MILLION dollars.
Former MLA Dr. David Swann has the right idea. It’s time to take a stand. Enough is enough!
As MLA Drew Barnes attempts to defend his government’s punitive policies for debt reduction, more than 4.7 billion dollars has been handed out to corporations in this province and not one dime of that money is being invested in people or in this province. In fact, companies are either financially rewarding executives and paying out shareholders or they are laying people off while others are taking their money and leaving the province.
Where are those promised jobs, Mr. Barnes?
Adding insult to injury, Mr Barnes neglects to mention how Jason Kenney just asked rural Albertan’s to cut O&G companies some slack over their unpaid taxes in the amount of 173 MILLION dollars.
Former MLA Dr. David Swann has the right idea. It’s time to take a stand. Enough is enough!