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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Justice Critic and MHA for the District of
Burgeo-Lapoile, says government has refused to proclaim the new Access to
Information (ATI) Act even though they committed to be an open and
accountable government in their election blue book.
"I was very surprised that the ATI legislation was not proclaimed in the
Spring session of the House of Assembly," said Mr. Parsons. "I was told last
Monday, the second last day of the Spring session, that the legislation
would be brought forward and proclaimed before the House of Assembly closed
for the Summer. When I asked the Government House Leader the status of the
legislation last Tuesday, he advised that it would not be proclaimed."
In a recent media story in the Telegram, the Premier stated that the
legislation would not be proclaimed because municipalities were not ready to
administer the Act. However, in a subsequent story, the Federation of
Municipalities stated this was not the case and they have been ready for
several months.
"The Premier misled the people of the province when he stated that
municipalities were not ready to administer the new ATI legislation. Is he
refusing to proclaim this Act because he is fearful that information harmful
to his government’s reputation will be available for release? This
government stated they would be open and accountable with the people of the
province, but they refuse to bring forward a piece of legislation that would
ensure this happens. How can the Premier claim his government is open and
transparent when he refuses to bring forward this legislation? Is he trying
to prevent the public from obtaining information he does not want released?
"While government continues to postpone the proclamation of this
legislation, the ATI Commissioner, Wayne Mitchell, still receives his $5,000
paycheck every two weeks. Mr. Mitchell wants to do his job, but he is not
authorized to begin work. Mr. Mitchell has office space rented and a budget
to carry out his duties, but cannot do his job because of this government’s
inaction. How can the Premier and his government justify this wastage? Now
is the time for the Premier to stop breaking his election promises, proclaim
this legislation, and finally allow the people of the province the
opportunity to get the answers to the questions they are asking." |