"I am receiving reports that this government is hiring people through the use of contracts rather than following the normal hiring process," said Mr. Barrett. "This process is excluding qualified public employees who have been laid off and are waiting to be recalled.

"Public sector employees would usually have recall rights for new positions that become vacant or are created. This government promised to hire the most qualified people for public sector positions. Are these public sector positions currently filled by the most qualified?

"Our office has requested a breakdown of these positions under the freedom of information act. I am looking forward to government providing us with the names and positions of all individuals who have recently been hired under contract. It is unfortunate that government would not provide us with this information when we requested it in the House of Assembly. I am hopeful that the truth will now come out through this request."

While Barrett says there is nothing illegal about contract hiring, given the circumstance and recent negative treatment of public servants the people of the province have a right to know who is being hired by government.