Government’s Small Business Week Message - Meaningless to Independent Pharmacy

News Release CICPO

18/10/11

Government’s Small Business Week Message - Meaningless

The Council of Independent Community Pharmacy Owners is shocked at the rhetorical statements made by Minister of Business Derrick Dalley and Minister of Innovation Trade and Rural Development Susan Sullivan – in celebration of Small Business Week. 

Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate. Grow – is the theme for this year’s recognition.

Robert Doyle Vice President of CICPO says, “It is ironic that over sixty local businesses located in all regions of our province – that want to do exactly what the theme suggests – are met with disinterest, disrespect, and threats by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador".

Minister Sullivan said, “While they may be termed small, their contributions and the role they play in society is anything but small. They are creating jobs and opportunities, strengthening and building communities and fortifying the provincial economy. Small Business Week recognizes the vision, passion and ingenuity of those who answer the entrepreneurial call.”

“This government does not recognize our passion, and certainly not our vision and ingenuity as they continue to look outside the province for pharmacy policy”, adds Doyle. He says, “As we head to court in early December to simply exercise our rights as small business owners and further to make government live up to written contracts – all we feel is weary and distrustful.”

The Council’s members represent over 100 million dollars of investment in our province – particularly in rural communities and quite often are the core business and health service providers.

“Government treats our private sector businesses as an extension of the public system and our owners as employees of the Department of Health. This means they have no idea as to the importance of our investments and the risks we take”, comments Doyle.

Minister Dalley suggested “Through the continued focus on the elimination of red tape along with the marketing of the province as an ideal place to live, work and invest, the Department of Business continues to help small businesses thrive.”

Independent pharmacy and the connected health clinics in rural communities offer essential services for families who live in regions and people who are looking to move into them.

The Vice President of the Council concludes, “The refusal of the Dunderdale government to meet with our members does not demonstrate the words that the Ministers utter. We look forward to a time when we as business owners can communicate with government. While we celebrate other small business owners and the contributions they make – we do not accept the meaningless words of the Dunderdale administration whose actions are entirely contrary.”

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