Premier called to act on audit results about MLA and lawyer

PEI Opposition Leader Olive Crane has expressed grave concern over Premier Robert Ghiz’s arrogance and refusal to fulfill his responsibilities as the Premier of this province as it relates to actions of his MLAs and senior bureaucrats and the Provincial Nominee Program.

“If this government was a private company which was audited, and questions were raised about the activities of individuals within the company, the CEO would demand an investigation; he would demand to see files; he would interview the employees involved; he would, if necessary, fire those involved; he would take responsibility to ensure that there was no wrong doing,” said Crane. “The Premier of this province, however, is letting Islanders down. He is abdicating his responsibilities to Island taxpayers and refusing to deal with this scandal.”

Crane brought before the Provincial Legislature Friday, several issues relating to MLAs who had received Provincial Nominee Program funding. She cited one instance where an MLA received four units under the Provincial Nominee Program for his two restaurants and according to his own statements in the media put the money into general revenue.

“If this is the case, then this is a clear breach of the rules which state that a second unit must be used for expansion,” said Crane. “The question that needs to be answered is whether there were other restaurants that applied for units, who had their applications turned down, even though they met the criteria.”

Crane also referred to documents that were filed with the Office of Attorney General, Consumer, Corporate and Insurance Services that indicated that a lawyer who was working for the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, also acted as a lawyer for an MLA who received units.

“Treasury Board guidelines on Conflict of Interest clearly state that “employees must not accord preferential treatment in relation to any official matter to family members, friends, other persons, or organizations in which the employee, family members or friends have a financial or other interest,” said Crane.

The Opposition Leader called on Premier Ghiz to fulfill his responsibilities and ensure an accountable, open and transparent government. “This Premier continues to refuse to carry out an investigation into this serious matter.”

“He refuses to answer questions in the Legislature and he has allowed members of the Public Accounts Committee to block information. It’s time for this Premier to show leadership and to uphold the integrity of his office by respecting the concerns of Islanders on this issue.”