C.O.P.S.

Bad cop:

"Can't be dealt with. Can't be satisfied. Can't be answered," Williams said, describing the NLMA's bargaining demands as "through the roof."

Bon cop:

Williams told reporters on Wednesday that he is not sure about the NLMA claim that its proposal would cost the government $80 million.

"Our calculation of the package that they have put before us is a package that's in excess of $125 million," he said.

"Now, if there's a $45 million error, one way or the other, whether it's ours or theirs, we just want to know. And if that's the case, and there's any misunderstanding, then let's just get that clarified and we'll move on," said Williams.

Inaudible cop:

MR. KENNEDY: Earlier this week the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association said it would cost $80 million to reach a deal with them. The Premier and Minister of Finance challenged them on that, and today it comes out, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Ritter says he admits that the figure of $80 million may be significantly higher, and it is possible that the government figures are accurate, but we do not know for sure.

So here we have the doctors misleading us now. So what happens, Mr. Speaker, is we have to make sure that we utilize the money as best we can, and when we have the doctors trying to double figures like that and slide it by the public, we cannot let that (inaudible).