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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid today confirmed that several Opposition caucus
members did receive House of Assembly rings dating back several years.
"After discussing the ring issue raised in the Auditor General’s report, our
caucus members confirmed that six members received a House of Assembly
ring," said Mr. Reid. "While we now know that at least six rings exist, we
cannot comment on the other rings referenced in the Auditor General’s
Report. It was our understanding that many members from all parties in the
House of Assembly over the past number of years received such a ring."
The members of the Liberal caucus that have confirmed receiving a ring
include Gerry Reid, Kelvin Parsons, Eddie Joyce, Yvonne Jones, George
Sweeney and Percy Barrett. Members indicating that they did not receive a
ring include Anna Thistle, Judy Foote, Oliver Langdon, and Roland Butler.
Wally Andersen did not attend the caucus meetings on the Northern Peninsula.
"At the time, the Director of Finance for the House of Assembly advised
members that these rings were available, and this individual was responsible
for approving budgetary expenses. In hindsight, knowing what we know today,
I don’t believe anybody would have either bought or accepted such a ring.
Unfortunately, this was not the case and our caucus feel we must be up front
and state publicly that several members of our caucus did receive these
rings."
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