While it is undoubtedly demanding to lead an entire province as its premier, Dwight Ball still makes sure the needs of his home base are covered.
Fortunately, said Ball, much of the work he goes about as premier is done in the name of every district and not just his own.
Still, he knows the importance of maintaining a balance between representing those who voted for him and the needs of everyone throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here are what Ball considered to be the biggest things in his district during 2018:
1. One of the things Ball takes pride in is maintaining strong ties with the communities within Humber-Gros Morne. He said this close communication came in handy when the province had to respond to emergency flooding situations, particularly in the hard-hit towns of Deer Lake and Trout River, last January and the follow-up work to address damaged infrastructure.
2. One of the issues that affects every area of the province, including Humber-Gros Morne, is education. The Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, said Ball, is already starting to improve and transform the province’s educational system, including within his own district.
3. With health care another issue that affects every person in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ball said a highlight of the past year was seeing the start of the regional long-term care construction site in Corner Brook. Though built in the city, he said it will be a service for all in his district too. He said the project is on target for completion, as is the start of the next stage, building the acute care element of the overall health care facility.
4. Creating jobs and economic opportunities remains a high priority for Ball. He said his district continued to grow in importance as a hub for two of the province’s strongest growth areas, namely tourism and agriculture. He said making more farm land available in his district and contributing to plans to build a new theatre in Cow Head will all help grow the province’s economy.
5. The fishery is still a crucial piece in the province’s economic puzzle and it is also a way of life for some within Humber-Gros Morne. Ball said the fishery remained to be a challenging industry in 2018 and hopes his constituents who remain involved in the industry can access the quotas they need to maintain their livelihoods.
