![['<p>Progressive Conservative Party Leader Rob Lantz says the first thing he will do if his party forms the next government is to strike a royal commission on government accountability. Taking a close look at government loans, e-gaming and the Provincial Nominee Program are the three issues the commission would target.</p>']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/rob-lantz-2837395.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=enhance%2Cformat%2Ccompress)
Islanders are offended, embarrassed and they want answers, Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz said Wednesday.
Lantz called a press conference in Charlottetown where he announced that, if elected, his government would strike a royal commission on accountability in government.
The commission’s mandate would be to conduct a thorough review of the administration of the Provincial Nominee Program, the failed e-gaming venture and the lending and writeoff practices of government.
As for the cost of such an inquiry, Lantz said the commission would be funded properly, likely starting with a budget of $250,000.
“We’ve been hearing the public screaming for answers to some of these questions. In the absence of any reliable information and the facts, people are drawing their own conclusion,’’ Lantz told the media following his address.
“It’s causing them to lose confidence and trust in government and that’s just an untenable situation.’’
RELATED: NDP would budget $1 million for inquiry, says leader Mike Redmond
Striking a commission would be Lantz’s first priority after taking office, explaining that it would consist of three people and that he would consult with the other four officially recognized parties — Liberals, NDP, Green Party and Island Party.
“This needs to be above reproach,’’ he said.
Earlier this month, NDP Leader Mike Redmond pledged to carry out a judicial inquiry into the same issues, budgeting $1 million for the process. Redmond said he was pleased with Lantz’s announcement on Wednesday but doesn’t think the Tory leader would follow through.
“We have seen this before,’’ Redmond said. “One of the two traditional party’s committing to doing something and not delivering. This initiative is too important to risk Lantz not following through.’’
Former Liberal staffer Allan Rankin recently applauded moves by Premier Wade MacLauchlan to strengthen conflict of interest guidelines but noted a closer look at the PNP process might clear the air.
MacLauchlan has pointed out that the PNP has already been reviewed by the auditor general, RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency.
Lantz said more needs to be done, explaining his commission would be struck through the Public Inquiries Act and be invested with all the powers under that act.
“I think the public is going to be pleased that something is finally being done. We’re going to force answers to come forth,’’ Lantz said.
The PC leader said the commission would issue recommendations within a year of being struck.
“We’re looking for recommendations on how to prevent the kinds of things like we’ve seen in the past; how to assure that those mistakes aren’t repeated.’’
Islanders are offended, embarrassed and they want answers, Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz said Wednesday.
Lantz called a press conference in Charlottetown where he announced that, if elected, his government would strike a royal commission on accountability in government.
The commission’s mandate would be to conduct a thorough review of the administration of the Provincial Nominee Program, the failed e-gaming venture and the lending and writeoff practices of government.
As for the cost of such an inquiry, Lantz said the commission would be funded properly, likely starting with a budget of $250,000.
“We’ve been hearing the public screaming for answers to some of these questions. In the absence of any reliable information and the facts, people are drawing their own conclusion,’’ Lantz told the media following his address.
“It’s causing them to lose confidence and trust in government and that’s just an untenable situation.’’
RELATED: NDP would budget $1 million for inquiry, says leader Mike Redmond
Striking a commission would be Lantz’s first priority after taking office, explaining that it would consist of three people and that he would consult with the other four officially recognized parties — Liberals, NDP, Green Party and Island Party.
“This needs to be above reproach,’’ he said.
Earlier this month, NDP Leader Mike Redmond pledged to carry out a judicial inquiry into the same issues, budgeting $1 million for the process. Redmond said he was pleased with Lantz’s announcement on Wednesday but doesn’t think the Tory leader would follow through.
“We have seen this before,’’ Redmond said. “One of the two traditional party’s committing to doing something and not delivering. This initiative is too important to risk Lantz not following through.’’
Former Liberal staffer Allan Rankin recently applauded moves by Premier Wade MacLauchlan to strengthen conflict of interest guidelines but noted a closer look at the PNP process might clear the air.
MacLauchlan has pointed out that the PNP has already been reviewed by the auditor general, RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency.
Lantz said more needs to be done, explaining his commission would be struck through the Public Inquiries Act and be invested with all the powers under that act.
“I think the public is going to be pleased that something is finally being done. We’re going to force answers to come forth,’’ Lantz said.
The PC leader said the commission would issue recommendations within a year of being struck.
“We’re looking for recommendations on how to prevent the kinds of things like we’ve seen in the past; how to assure that those mistakes aren’t repeated.’’
