David Weale, historian and author

We need full disclosure on PNP

Charlottetown Guardian Editor:

“Many believe it was nepotism and corruption on a scale perhaps never before seen in Island politics… the shrugging attitude of resignation that is widespread – the notion that that is just the way it goes…”

When I speak to Islanders about the infamous PNP affair there are two responses that are most common.

Both are disturbing.

The first is the almost universal belief that there has been an abuse of power, and a cover-up of that abuse. Islanders are angry and indignant about the apparent ‘feeding frenzy’ that took place among political insiders as individuals took advantage of their privileged positions to line their own pockets, and those of their friends and family members.

Many believe it was nepotism and corruption on a scale perhaps never before seen in Island politics.

Even more disturbing is the shrugging attitude of resignation that is widespread – the notion that that is just the way it goes, and that there is nothing much we can do about it. Such an attitude is a damning indictment of the political culture of the province, and the main reason why the stonewalling by the present administration must stop, and all the information about the program be made public – including the names of all those who received ‘units’, along with the names of all those lawyers, accountants, and other ‘back-room boys and girls’ who benefited financially.

Nothing short of that will fumigate the system of what has become a smelly infestation of the body politic.

The current investigation into the matter by the public accounts committee has been something of a sham, with just enough information being dribbled out to give the appearance of disclosure, but not nearly enough to allow Islanders to understand clearly what transpired.

The one bright spot in all of this has been the role of the leader of the Opposition, Olive Crane. With little or no support from Liberals, or, for that matter, from some members of her own party, she has insisted that in order to protect the integrity of the political process, the PNP scandal must not be swept under the carpet.

Good on her.

David Weale, Charlottetown

See – PNP Thumbnail