“I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the moving of the Lands Branch of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources to Corner Brook. This move is most concerning for the 40 plus families that will be forced to uproot their lives, likely leaving them in financial disrepair. Having to sell your home to move across the island only to purchase another one in today’s market is 100% going to have a negative effect. If the employees choose to not move and are left without a job, how do they pay their bills and feed their children? I support bringing jobs to any community but it seems that the 40 plus lives that are being disrupted were not taken into consideration with much care. I ask you to think of your own children who have children of their own in school or who love their jobs and will become unemployed if their husband/wife has to relocate. It’s expensive enough these days in the Province, surely you don’t want to see people forced out of work? Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing an economic crisis and a move this vast is not only disrupting 40 plus families but it doesn’t seem to make sense seeing it will be extremely costly and very unnecessary. This is a time when the Government claims to be making every effort to save a penny. The costs that will be incurred with this type of move will ensure that the economy remains in crisis. There will be moving costs in the hundreds of thousands, additional rent for office space, paying for services regarding document preservation, etc. Where is this money coming from? Moving the Lands Branch from the Capital will also have a direct impact on the services provided to lawyers, real estate agents, title searchers, and the Association of Newfoundland Land Surveyors. And more importantly will increase delays and costs for the general public (myself included within my line of work). It is my understanding that the Lands Office in Corner Brook has vacant positions that were not filled and that wasn’t for lack of trying. I don’t see how moving 40 positions to the West Coast will even be filled if the demand isn’t there. Then there will be a Department with vital positions vacant and people who once filled them will be unemployed. This truly does not seem right. Looking to expand Agriculture in the Province is a great idea but that can still take place if the head office remains in the Capital. I urge you to please fight this move to Corner Brook. There has been no rationale provided and if the Provincial Government cares about turning the economy around and, most importantly, the people, then they will reverse this decision. I appreciate your time.” – Renee Burton