‘It’s a huge relief’
Employees, legal community elated by decision to keep Harbour Grace court open
“Inconveniencing so many people for the sake of saving a few dollars just didn’t make sense. It was absolutely crazy.” Doug Moores, lawyer rmullaley@thetelegram.com Twitter: TelyCourt
He was working on what he thought would be one of his last days at provincial court in Harbour Grace Friday when a phone call changed all that.
“When our manager called and told us the news, we were completely caught off guard. We were so happy,” said the man, who didn’t want to be identified.
The news that the Harbour Grace court would remain open came just before 1 p.m., he said. Justice Minister Andrew Parsons also announced the provincial court in Wabush won’t close after all, either.
“We had heard rumblings that it might be reversed, but we figured it was too late,” the man said. “We figured it was a done deal.”
He and several others received their layoff notices a few weeks ago and they were in the process of figuring out how the union’s bumping procedure would work.
“We’re so glad that didn’t have to happen,” he said. “It’s been a stressful nine or 10 weeks and knowing everyone gets to keep their job, it’s the best news. “It’s a huge relief.” Lawyer Doug Moores, a partner in the Carbonear firm Moores and Collins, said the decision to close the Harbour Grace court should not have been made in the first place.
“Inconveniencing so many people for the sake of saving a few dollars just didn’t make sense. It was absolutely crazy,” said Moores, pointing out that people from the area would’ve had to travel hundreds of kilometres for even family court matters.
“But thankfully, in the end, they did make the best decision. It was the right thing to do. It’s fantastic news.”
Moores said he understands the financial pressure the government faces.
“Nobody is under any illusions about living in Newfoundland. Government has to pay off a massive debt,” he said.
“We know it’s not easy making these decisions and we realize some have to suffer.
“We’re just glad it’s not the people from here (who are involved in the court).”