Opposition Leader Olive Crane has challenged Premier Robert Ghiz and Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell to provide proof that the government is in negotiations with the federal government for a new Provincial Nominee Investment Program.
"Citizenship and Immigration Canada officials have stated quite emphatically that no discussions have taken place with the P.E.I. government to create a new program, yet Minister Campbell was on Compass a week ago suggesting that discussions are taking place," Crane said in a news release.
She is demanding a copy of the schedules for the federal-provincial talks with Citizenship and Immigration Canada over the past year on the Provincial Nominee Program; a list of those who took part in the discussions; the agendas for those meetings; and an outline of the specific references to talks on the investment component.
"I am asking the premier and Mr. Campbell to provide proof that they are currently negotiating with the federal government under the investment program," said Crane.
"This is the category that Island businesses want and deserve, but the premier allowed his officials to abuse this program, to change the rules without consulting with the federal government and it was shut down on Sept. 2, 2008."
Crane said she sees no reason why this information should not be provided immediately.
"The federal government has made it quite clear in an email to the media this week, of which I have a copy, that they 'have no plans to recreate the investor program, or enter into discussions to do so'. That email from the federal government also states that 'P.E.I. has not discussed the creation of any new categories with us'."
Crane said someone is not telling the truth.
"I am not going to allow the premier or Minister Campbell to tell Islanders that they are negotiating a new investment program when they are not doing so. If anyone in the Ghiz administration is deliberately misleading our business community on this issue then they should be held accountable."
The Opposition leader said P.E.I. does have a provincial nominee agreement with the federal government that has been in place since March, 2001. That program consists of three categories related to entrepreneurs, skilled workers and family members of P.E.I. residents. The fourth category for investors was terminated in 2008.
Crane said that statements by Ghiz and Campbell only cause further mistrust and hurts P.E.I.'s chances of negotiating a new program. She referred to comments made by Campbell in the legislature on April 24, 2009, where he stated: "At this point, we are in the very preliminary stages of discussions with the federal government on a new program."
Ghiz also stated in the house on April 2, 2009, that the "minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning was just in Ottawa this week meeting with the federal minister. We are going to try and get a new program up and running as soon as possible."
"That was last spring. Islanders and Island businesses deserve to see the results of these negotiations on this extremely important program. This documentation has to be delivered to the business community, to Islanders and potential immigrants, today. If no documentation is presented, Premier Ghiz and Minister Campbell need to be held accountable for their actions."
Crane wants proof of PNP negotiations
- Published on January 8th, 2010
- Published on June 19th, 2010
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Staff ~ Farm Focus
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Comments
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- Lets be clear
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:41:58
To Enuf Already...don't you think that the $525 million collected under the PNP would have been helpful in the Health Care area...would it not be better there than in the banks accounts of Charlottetown's lawyers, accountants and the liberal party coffers??? Come on???
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- rob mceachern
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:40:58
This is a huge opportunity for all of us in PEI.
We are the birthplace of Canada, now we can set an example for all of Canada and become the deathbed of patronage corruption. Purge the disease and send them to jail like Newfoundland.
Olive Crane is a Champion.
Bravo Olive Crane. -
- Enuf
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:35:54
tee hee... gotcha!
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- Lets be clear
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:34:27
Reality check here folks..the fact that our Federal Government is selling landed status to immigrants with money is not a good idea. Concern for where the immigrants got the money in the first place has never been a factor. How, for example does someone in Communist China come up with $200,000.00? Much of it is obtained illegally. Canada has knowingly harboured criminals who have stolen millions of dollars on, humanitarian grounds! If you believe that keep them coming.but don't expect a person that has not been a responsible citizen in their own homeland to be a responsible Canadian citizen either. Any immigration process should be based upon a criteria set by those authorities responsible for immigration matters. Once you enter money into the process all sense of decency evaporates and concern become more about the money. That is what happened with the Provincial Nominee Program here on the Island and elsewhere. Ever since money has been introduced as an eligibility factor, the immigration process has become more and more corrupt. As we see it, the PNP should be scrapped all together and persons immigration status should be determined by more traditional requirements.
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- Enuf
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:34:26
The majority of Islanders don't care, Olive. Move on to real life issues like critical drug costs that aren't covered by the province, financial support for organ transplant patients, and supporting a guaranteed annual income program.
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- To Quiet Observer
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:24:12
You stated: (I encourage everyone during the next election to ask specific questions of the MLAs when they come to your doors, or at public meetings, and not to accept the usual Liberal spin)
I had to smile reading your comment as I can guarantee you if a Liberal MLA or Campaigner comes to my door next election I wouldn't even bother asking them questions!! Why would I waste my precious time?
But I will open the door to them so I can Enjoy the Opportunity of SLAMMING IT IN THEIR FACE! And I'm hoping I get lots of Liberal Campaigners in my area! -
- Spoilsofwar
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:23:10
I'm honestly sitting on the edge of my seat. This is better than anything in theaters right now!!
Souris was a waste of a goon squad for Easter, he should have saved them for the fifth floor. The peaceful gathering up there is starving an entire province.
Where are the voices of Shawn Murphy, Lawrence McAulay and Wayne Easter.
This term of FUBAR by Robert Ghiz will do wonders for federal liberals,HAHAA He'll be famous!
Instead of sending him to jail I would rather see him as leader of the New Democrats for twenty years or so. AHHHH the humility of it all ! -
- doubtful thomas
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:23:04
Before I shower Olive with accolades, I want her to reveal her pc buddies that swindeled into the PNP trough otherwise she is a hypocrit. Tell us Olive.
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- VOTE NDP
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:22:57
HA HA HA I laugh at all the Crane supports. do you think that the Con created PNP program would be in better shape if the Cons were in power, they are just PO'd that they didn't get to use all the money for their buddies first, and when(if) they get back in power they would have to answer the same questions they are asking. If it wasn't for the PNP wasting the time of the Gov't what other things would the opposition come with? And i hope all you haters are back on here complaining about the Cons when it's their turn to lie to the people.
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- To Doubtful
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:16:19
Olive already revealed her buddies as you call them in the Legislature. They were also revealed in a report in the Guardian and on Compass News some time ago! The AG Report also revealed them! Olive also requested a Public Inquiry into both PNP Programs! The Liberals still didn't agree to it!
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- SG
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:12:46
We don't have to go back as far as April 24th for Minister Campbell's statements.
This report from CBC just yesterday:
As recently as last week, the province's Innovation Minister Allan Campbell told CBC News that negotiations for a new immigrant investor program were underway.
( I've had had senior staff from [Island Investment Development Inc.] that have had those discussions with the senior bureaucrats from Ottawa, Campbell told CBC-TV's Compass.)
Maybe Olive should also ask Island Investment Dev. Inc. for an updated report on said discussions!
And I hope all those who are so grateful to Olive Crane presently for her steadfast Loyalty, Integrity and Service to We the People will not forget her service to Islanders come election time!
If it weren't for Olive Crane and Teresa Wright Islanders would still be in the Dark! They are two great role models for All Canadian Women! -
- Curious Georgia
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:12:45
Based on the quotes in this story, it would not appear that discussions have taken place at all, e.g. Campbell stated April 24th....At this point, we are in the very preliminary stages of discussions with the federal government on a new program.
Define preliminary stages. Does this mean the Ghiz government still hasn't actually approached the Federal government but are contemplating doing so? When, it is now 2010?
Also, Ghiz stated April 2nd....minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning was just in Ottawa this week meeting with the federal minister. We are going to try and get a new program up and running as soon as possible. TRY, being the operative word, what is the true status of the program now, defunct, but only for PEI?
The Liberals and Conservatives continue to erode their credibility on PEI. How could we possibly lose with new blood, example being NDP? -
- Western Gal
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:11:12
I agree with Crane. Actually isn't this what she has been saying all along? If this government doesn't clean up its mess from the old PNP, we will never get a new one. I wonder what the business community is saying now? Phone your Liberal MLA and tell them you want some honesty.
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- bill
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:10:51
i guess none of the politicians--liberals,cons, etc-----were expecting this big surprise
they got their share -- now the federal
guys want some chinese fortune too -
- Country boy
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:10:35
Poor Campbell having to explain the PNP mess that was created under the direction of Richard Brown. The old days are gone when you could sweep everything under the rug. For the sake of the integrity of this province and the good people who live here a public inquiry is required. Shame on this government for their lack of integrity and transparency.
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- Liar Liar
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:09:11
It's pretty clear that this government has absolutely no credibility. It is clear and embarrassing that our government is made up of such moral and ethical opportunists engaged in very corrupt undertakings. If this is the LIBERAL party, little wonder that they are heading in the direction of the dodo bird. If this is what a Liberal government looks like - it will be the last PERIOD!!! I've heard a lot of talk about One Term. I think it is Last Term - ever! I am tired of going without while the likes of fat cat liberals lie and cheat their ways into positions with status and authority so that they can steal us blind!
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- james
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:09:10
The question of proof of negotiations is a legitimate and proper question to put before government officials. The existing government cannot be insulted by the question. Government management of past PNP activities has caused a crisis in trust and respect.
Citizens trust and respect the titles and leadership positions of their government. The individuals filling these positions are not automatically entitled to the citizens respect. The members of government earn citizens respect by their actions on behalf of all islanders and others. It appears some members of PEI's government do not understand this principle.
To go a year without a PNP program may be a good outcome. We may see how our government prioritizes and manages citizens needs without an infusion of vast sums of monies that have not been well accounted for and have taken too much of government time and attention.
I would like someone to ask and receive an answer to - what has government done for you. -
- Sick of it
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:09:07
Keep up the great work Olive. When PNP first hit the media, Ghiz hit the Island with small school closures to try and deflect the attention the PNP was getting, now the kindergarten issue, and just today the municipal rezoning hit the Guardian. The spin doctors can try all they want to try and deflect the spotlight off the PNP but we are not going to stop asking for an honest public inquiry into this corrupt program. Campbell should be ashamed of himself and resign his cabinet position and in fact his seat. It just goes to show how far ministers will go to try and cover up the corruptness of the fifth floor and their lawyer/accountant friends who benefitted from the PNP. Everywhere I go I hear people talking about the PNP so I certainly don't agree with Enuf, and I'm sure that if some private company had handled this program the way this government handled it there would be no question it would have been investigated and there would have been accountability for their actions. I am sick and tired of our elected politicians thinking they have no accountability to those that elected them and that they can do whatever they want with our taxpayers money. How much more do we have to endure with this govenment; with their PNP scandal, Wasteful consulting fees for every issue that they face, the destruction of rural communities, political appointments of liberal hacks, reforming our health care system with the Corpus Sanchez machine that could open our system up to privitization(ask how it is going in Nova Scotia), and the list goes on and on. I don't hold much faith the chamber of commerce will say much at all, for obvious reasons. Where are the manors for our seniors? They are still on paper, while they waste money on consulting fees. How much is the consultant with Corpus Sanchez being paid to come here and tell us what is best for us?? The cost I'm sure is staggering, but here we have a govenmnent that is willing to nickel and dime the very people who deliver health care on the front line by sending negotiations to concilliation. Good Luck Olive and keep digging because the majority of Islanders are with you!
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- Pardon?
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:08:42
Enuf Already from pei writes: The majority of Islanders don't care, Olive. Move on to real life issues like critical drug costs that aren't covered by the province, financial support for organ transplant patients, and supporting a guaranteed annual income program.
You must be wearing Red! I have to respectfully disagree with your statements. The Majority of Islanders most certainly do care! And the Majority of Islanders given the comments received so far on this and the CBC site are thoroughly fed up with this Government. If you aren't than I'd guess your one of the few!
The real life issues you speak of are exactly the issues OUR Present Government should be dealing with as they are who we elected to do so! They are the Government who stated they could not afford to cover the critical drugs you speak about, the financial support for organ transplant patients, and the support of a guaranteed annual income program! And may the Government who declined on granting the $30 thousand in support of Dementia, an Illness that is dibilatating more and more Islanders are we speak. And the funding for many more critical programs truly in need!
So I believe you must be confused or are just not keeping up with our current political news!
We all should be Greatful that we have Olive Crane! Who else have you seen or heard standing up publicly in support of Islanders'needs at all levels? -
- Gerry
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:05:44
Shutting down of the the PNP program should not come as a surprise to Islanders.
Lack of accountability should not come as a surprise to Islanders.
What I do find incredulous, is that the Liberals have the audacity to SUPPOSEDLY Try (versus Negotiate) to request access to a Not the Same but Similar program?
I guess if you have royally screwed yourself out of the negotiating avenue, all that you can do is TRY.
I vote Teresa Wright as Conflict Commissioner, Auditor General; and all the other positions which we expect to demonstrate honesty and accountability to the tax payer. Obviously, that would mean she would be a one woman government. -
- Quiet
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:05:37
The Ghiz Spin Doctors are hard at work finding ways to twist and distort some sort of federal/provincial communications that took place over the last year to counteract this situation.
They will have a spin and they will expect everyone to buy it. But, we are not as stupid as the Ghiz boys think we are.
It is a major insult to all islanders when rather than honestly answer questions, Ghiz and Ministers spout off the party line to stymie the Oppositions attempts to find the truth. It is an insult to all Islanders because we want the truth too.
I encourage everyone during the next election to ask specific questions of the MLAs when they come to your doors, or at public meetings, and not to accept the usual Liberal spin as an answer. Get an answer to your question. Don't let your MLA off the hook.
I can hardly wait as I live in Richard Brown's riding. -
- Quiet
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:05:09
Only Olive Crane is prepared to call for a full public or judicial inquiry into the PNP and have everything, no matter what party it is related to, exposed.
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- Congrats Olive
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:03:26
Thank you Olive and if the documentation isn't delivered to the business community and Islanders please contact Ottawa and tell them Islanders want a full and thorough Investigation into the PNP Program!
As if these statements made by our Premier and Minister are not true, I do not believe they have much respect for me or their Island constituents. -
- bill
- - June 21st, 2010 at 20:01:32
olive crane , robert ghiz --the list goes on
each are the same on the issue of pnp transparency
each will not voluntarily tell the TRUTH about their own party's involvement in this program
did i miss something -- did one of them tell the truth about the pnp ??????????? -
- Behind The Plow
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:53
The View from Here.................PNP/ELECTION TIME
1. a reference to PNP in 2010 perhaps could mean Prepare New Pork !!!
2. Any attempt by the current PEI Government to restart, bring in any related Investor Program by another name without cleaning up the unanswered questions on the current PNP fiasco is beyond comprehension.
3. Unless Theresa Wright and Olive Crane continue on with their accountability requests then all this will die and the lies of this Government will continue to build
the foundations of this province on shifting sand and continued laughing stock status in the eyes of the rest of Canada and on the International scene.
4. It even becomes tiresome to want to comment when you see what has come out of the mouths of Campbell and Brown and then cauterized by Ghiz..........they just do not get it..........Spin and Deceit!!
5. Come next election time we the people had better get out and exercise our privilege to vote and end this One TERM GOVERNMENT. The parent turnout at Stratford ( and no room to turnout ) should be a wake up call to all of us who can vote to make our voices heard on all issues of importance........
6. The real serious looking to be politician and current MLA's will look for the grassroots vote This will produce the desired results if the door to door campaign is carried out and those desiring to run for office who can be shown they are honest, transparent and accountable will
win the day..............
7. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH FROM THIS CURRENT ONE TERM LIBERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PC'S HAD BETTER not sit back and be smug but REFORM AND REBUILD THEIR CURRENT TIRED AND WORN OUT PARTY OR THEY WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.
WHO IS LEFT??........NDP AND NEW PARTIES WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS???? -
- Bethca
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:57:13
Betcha Minister Campbell wishes he was still a fisherman! BTW-What every became of that young Lad From Belfast that was a politican-think his name might have been Charlie? Never hear from him anymore-one time he was on the news every other night whining about the fishing industry-things sure are quiet from his camp!
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- flo
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:53:47
Keep after them Olive till they tell they truth!!!!!!!!!!if it takes the rest of your life.Which it very well could!!!!!
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- Dick
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:51:06
Here, Here Olive Crane!!!! Way to go!! Keep up the good work and keep sticking it to the Liberals until they come out with the truth!! They have done nothing but break promises and lie to the people of PEI.....its time for them to be exposed and for the real truth to come out about how they have been running things.
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- Milton
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:44:10
Enuf Already, your comment is repugnant.
Unless Chambers of Commerce and other busines leaders speak out in support of Crane's quest for the truth, they too wil be seem as repugnant by Islanders.
This is a crisis both economically and politically beyond what we have ever seen before. Covering up is terrible; deliberate deception is beyond terrible and must be dealt with by powerful Islanders esp. our business leaders.
I look forward to the comments of the chambers of commerce in tomorrow's Guardian.
Thank you.
