Naida Borden was appointed as the Chair of the Western School Board Transitional Committee as a reward for her work on the executive of the Humber West PC Association, the Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte PC Association and being the Chief Financial Officer for the Premier during the last provincial election. Bruce Borden, Naida Borden’s husband, was appointed to the Municipal Assessment Appeals Board. John Sweetland, a long-time supporter of the Progressive Conservative party, has been rewarded for representing defeated Bay of Islands Tory candidate Mike Monaghan in his court challenge against the results of the election in my district. He has been appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board. Cynthia Downey, a former PC candidate and political organizer for Joan Burke, has been appointed to the Social Assistance Appeals Board.

"The Premier promised to get rid of political patronage appointments during the election," said Mr. Joyce. "It now appears the Premier decided to permanently scrap another one of his election promises. Since taking office, this government has continuously made political patronage appointments to boards and agencies ensuring their friends receive a pat on the back for their support despite their lack of qualifications for these positions.

"These people have no experience in the fields to which they have been appointed. The Premier committed during the election that he would only select the most qualified and skilled individuals to serve on government boards and agencies. How do these appointments fulfill that promise? If the Premier was going to appoint the most qualified people, these people would not have been considered.

"This government continues to break election promises at a staggering rate. The dozens of political appointments they have made over the past several months are another indication of the arrogant attitude of this Premier and his government."