SAINT JOHN, N.B.- An exiled Conservative MLA says Premier Alward’s new health minister has the potential to be a very good choice.

Fundy-River Valley MLA Dr. Jim Parrot, who now sits as an independent, was kicked out of the Conservative caucus in September after publicly criticizing the government for not listening to physicians.

Parrott says he and Ted Flemming are on the same page in a lot of areas. “We understand that health care at this stage needs a huge overhaul”, says Parrott. “It needs somebody with a firm hand to do it and I get that impression from Ted”.

Flemming, the rookie Rothesay MLA, was given the health portfolio in a recent cabinet shuffle.