Tuesday, April 25, 1967

Honourable Alexander B. Campbell: Caused in large part . . .

Leo F. Rossiter: If you have reason to feel resentful towards him you should set- tle your differences personally with Mr. Moe.

Honourable Alexander B. Campbell: I have nothing against Mr. Moe.

Leo F. Rossiter: The situation at hand, Mr. Speaker, must be elevated above your personal battles because it has reached the point where it can be safely predicted that it has effected P.E.I. development to the point of a serious crisis. (Applause) Many plans have been offered during the past few months concerning these industries. But you regard each new suggestion with skepticism and suspicion that had originated with Mr. Moe who, you think, has only one objective, that to embarass you. Mr. Speak- er, let me put the cards on the table. You are badly advised; the result is that there is a menace settling over our ublic life for which you are responsible. You are respons- ible because this is the thi year you have been carrying out this ersonal attack. Let us get on with the job; it is getting increasingly difficult every ay. Think less who runs the Conservative Party in this province, because those who run the Conservative Party is none of your business. But the unemployed people in Georgetown and the clos- ure of an export industry by yourself and your Government is very much your business and your responsibility. You are keeping a construction program of trawlers at Pictou while the Georgetown yard was coming to a halt before the unfortunate . . .

Honourable Alexander B. Campbell: You know why that is. You know why that is, why those two ships were being built in Pictou.

Leo F. Rossiter: He let us down, Mr. Speaker, turned it into a story of dis- appointment, and disillusioned people not only Islanders but many who brought their many skills and their families from other provinces and indeed other countries. Useful, honest people only too eager to play their part in the rogress of a new and exciting country. The far reaching and detrimental effects of t e last few months happenings is impossible to estimate. Effects on the decision of the investors in Europe, United States and the rest of Canada whose knowledge and resources are so desperately need- ed to ensure the economic progress of this proch

Honourable Alexander B. Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I could ask the honourable member who wrote this section of his speech?

Leo F. Rossiter: I wrote it myself.

Let me assure you, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Moe has worked tirelessly for three years on this project; I trust that no man can do this alone, Mr. Speaker, He has al- ways enjoyed the co-operation and a loyal staff and loyal workers and the co-operation of the Government officials. The industries were brought to their knees by systematic and relentless attacks by Liberal opposition and now the Liberal Government in this province acting in their own political self-interests. It is now a story of unjust, un- warranted intervention, it is now a story of personal persecution of a kind that we could well do without. It is now a story of confusion, dissatisfaction and hardship to so many people and I believe the indications of losses and outlays in the last five months could be used as a yardstick, that the total cost would practically exceed the cost of both plants at Georgetown. Since the beginning of December, Mr. Moe has offered the Premier and his Government his co-operation. But no sir, nothing but his neck they want. After further communication with the Government in the new year they found out that he offered to withdraw from these companies, and Mr. Speaker, in case the Honourable Premier and other members of this Assembly have any doubts about that, I will read at this time the proposition that was set before them by Mr. Moe dated January 19, 1967.

Blonourable Alexander B. Campbell: That’s after the Grace people rejected his propose.

Leo F. Rossiter: January 19, 1967.

Honourable Alexander B. Campbell: On December 30th the Grace people refused

his proposal . This is January 19th, is it? Well, Mr. Speaker, is the honourable mem- ber prepared to table this letter?

Leo F. Rossiter: Most certainly I am prepared to table this letter. -—319—