CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - P.E.I. Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker is questioning the independence of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) on the proposed Three Rivers amalgamation.
The decision on whether to amalgamate seven Kings County municipalities is now in the hands of IRAC.
During Wednesday's question period, Bevan-Baker expressed concern over the commission’s independence in the process.
“The chair and CEO of IRAC is apparently a big Liberal, having donated $6,690 to the party between 2007 and 2013 prior to his appointment in 2014,” said Bevan-Baker. “Can the minister reassure this house the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island will not have any influence over the IRAC proceedings?”
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Communities Minister Richard Brown said he could assure IRAC will work independently while adjudicating the proposal.
Brown also appeared to take issue with Bevan-Baker’s statement.
“What is the leader of the third party saying? Anybody that contributes to a political party any time in their history is not allowed a job?” asked Brown. “Is he going to fire all the judges down at the courthouse Mr. Speaker? Is he going to fire everybody that ever made a contribution to a political party?”
The proposed amalgamation has been a divisive issue for area residents, with a group of about 100 residents gathering in front of the legislature last Tuesday to voice their opposition to the proposal. Meanwhile, supporters of the proposal say it will strengthen the entire region by providing better access to infrastructure funding.
Bevan-Baker described the issue as a “complicated” one that has “provoked strong feelings and much debate all across the Island.”
He questioned IRAC’s experience in handling an issue “as complex as this” and asked if the commission had the capacity to carry out public consultations on the issue.
Brown responded by saying IRAC provides excellent service to Islanders across the province.
“They know rural communities because they see the land transfers going through for non-residents, corporations and things like that,” said Brown. “IRAC has the capacity and expertise to adjudicate this procedure.”
