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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he has concerns with the close ties and
political connection of the new Commissioner of Lobbyists with the
Progressive Conservative Party and senior officials of the Williams
Administration. "LeeAnn Montgomery may be a qualified individual, but it
disturbs me that the person who will be responsible for ensuring
transparency and accountability within government was the official agent to
Ross Reid, Premier Williams current senior advisor, and has been a strong
supporter of the PC Party," said Mr. Reid. "Having such close political ties
to senior political officials in the Williams government raises concerns
about the independence this person will bring to the position.
"The Lobbyist Registration Act was put in place to promote
accountability by forcing disclosure by lobbyists in the province, but the
spirit and intent of this legislation and the entire registration process is
put into question with this appointment. What assurances do the people of
the province have that Ms. Montgomery is not exposed to influence from
senior government officials and influential members of the PC Party.
"Minister Marshall and Premier Williams have not been up front with the
people of the province in making this appointment. Government continues to
put forth a verbal commitment to openness and accountability, but fails to
practice these principles in the actions they take on a daily basis.
"Government must take swift action to put in place a process to select a
new and independent Commissioner of Lobbyists and ensure political
neutrality, transparency and accountability for the new officeholder. After
all, not only should this position be independent, it must also have the
perception of being independent, something that is currently missing."
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