BY GARY WALKER
GUEST OPINION
I think it was the apple pies that finally turned my stomach.
As an Island citizen, I request that our Liberal government resign. I believe that it is time for a ‘taxpayers' revolt.’ Sign me up.
Premier MacLauchlan – Nov. 21, 2017... "We have held ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct in our decision-making.... And we have been open and transparent in our effort to serve the best interests of our province and its people".
Did I read that, right?
No mention of the on-going PNP scams, forfeited deposits, numbered companies, non-recoverable loans, lawyers’ bills, monies given/ lent to First Nations, off-shore gambling, Sherwood Motel Canadians. Open and transparent – true, for all the items we were allowed to see.
The incredibly over-worked Karen Rose, information and privacy commissioner, constantly faces obstruction trying to get access to government financial reports – public property – while the Liberal government delays, defers, misplaces? Is this ‘transparency’? I believe Ms. Rose should have a judge on her staff - with the ability to serve warrants and subpoenas.
The Island’s economy is “on a tear,” Premier MacLauchlan - annual ‘State of the Province Address’ (Feb. 5th, 2018). "…one of the best things …to ensure continued growth and success is to simply highlight the positives by “telling our stories.” "Telling our stories." How about "telling the facts"?
Consider Clifford Lee's appointment to the government's 'Housing Action Plan'. A four-year position without a public competition. Yes, as a professional librarian (a retired Member of ALA) - I checked; thoroughly. It wasn’t easy.
Who, in government, suggested this appointment method, whose names were drawn up, by whom, and why was Mr. Lee selected?
Oh yes, the apple pies. Consider these articles from the Guardian (with my admitted heavy editing):
Oct 10th, 2018 - “The province approved a $4 million loan to 102253 P.E.I. Inc. - directors - Tim Banks and Jamie Hill - for redevelopment of the Sears property in Charlottetown into a shopping retail centre, with six to eight potential tenants.” Great! More stores. Only $4 million tax dollars.
And, the very next day - October 11, 2018: “Members of the Stratford and Area Lions Club, are selling apple pies and bags of fresh apples. Funds raised from this fall sale will help purchase a new CT scanner for the QEH’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. CT scanning is critical for patient outcomes in major trauma, for stroke victims, and for most cancer cases, and costs approximately $1.5 million.”
So, $4 million for more retail space. But, to provide a critical piece of medical equipment – we have to sell apple pies?
Here's a thought - lend the QE hospital $1.5 million dollars today, and order the new CT scanner - today. Then, use the remaining $2.5 million to help build some affordable housing.
I pay my taxes – as I should. My question is - where is the money being spent? Education will surely get a boost when I see frozen kids at the door, with chocolate bars, cheese, magazine subscriptions… This is how government values education. I charge you with misuse of taxpayers’ dollars.
The Opposition is making the classic mistake of dancing to the government’s tune. Stand up, give us a real plan for the province. Forget the carbon tax. What, China is going to stop burning coal? We are way past the tipping point beyond which we can keep this environment. Let’s have an annual State of the Environment address’ by the premier. That should be interesting.
Perhaps this commentary should be directed to Her Honour Antoinette Perry, our lieutenant-governor; only she has the power to slow, or stop this gravy train.
I am a citizen. Sue me for speaking out for my rights. Many Islanders would love to get Wade and all the rest of the boys on the stand, under oath.
I speak only for myself; I belong to no political party. That being said – “Welcome back, Dr. Herb Dickieson. You have seen illness, despair, poverty and hope – real life.”
What is my biggest fear for the Island? That we are running out of water. And we are.
- Gary Walker is a life-long educator and community advocate. He is probably, on his mother’s side, related to half of you.
