Allan Campbell accused of using non-disclosure forms to gag civil servants

Province was using non-disclosure agreements to gag its employees who administered the Provincial Nominee Program.

Olive Crane, leader of the PEI Opposition, peppered Innovation Minister Alan Campbell questions in the Legislature today.

Crane tried to tie the gag order concept to those civil servants who received bonus for their work in administering the program.

Campbell denied there was anything out of the order. He called the questions a smear campaign by the Leader of the Opposition.

According to Campbell, the non-disclosure forms are standard procedure to protect the private interests of private individuals.

Crane would not let Campbell and the government off the hook. When he deferred many of her questions for a later date, she called him remiss in managing his department when her simple questions should have been easily answered by an email to his staff.

Crane suggested the form was designed by lawyer Billy Dow, the Premier’s cousin who has be closely linked to the PNP program. She suggested the form was put in place just for the scandalous one year the Liberals administered the program.

Crane asked what terms and conditions were designed into the form, perhaps indefinite gag orders were applied.

She said that the signing of the forms appeared to be conditional for receipt of bonuses by civil servants. Not all IIDI program officers were asked to sign the form.

Campbell said he would report back, but did not commit to next Tuesday.

“Can you bring it back on Tuesday  – what is the problem,” asked Crane questioning Campbell’s grasp of his departmental details.

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