New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island

NDP Questions Cost of HST to Consumers

Chris McDonald — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:26:52 +0000

The New Democratic Party of PEI Finance Critic, Chris McDonald, wants some answers regarding how much extra tax revenue will be generated by the province at the expense of consumers. A recent report, supported by economists, suggests that it will be consumers that lose out to the tune of $80m.

“As we have said all along,” stated McDonald “it will be the low to middle income Islanders who will be hardest hit. The Ghiz government has spent its way into a corner and now expects taxpayers to bail them out.”

McDonald continued “The Finance Minister is offering no details. In fact he wants no interaction but, instead, wants to tell Islanders what he thinks the benefits of HST to them will be. What I would like to see is how he arrived at his figures and to know how he expects low to middle income Islanders to afford this.

McDonald points to the list of necessities that will be subject to the 9% increase once HST is applied, including electricity, clothes, gas, and school supplies.

McDonald also says that the PC Party are trying to gain political mileage from the HST. ”It’s hard to believe that if the PCs were in power along with the Federal Conservative Government that they would be against this same model of HST implementation. Their decision to oppose the HST is purely because it is the Liberals who are implementing it.”

The NDP PEI has twice called on the Provincial Government to hold a referendum regarding HST but McDonald concedes that it is unlikely that this government will let Islanders have a say.

“There is no way that they will jeopardize $80m by letting the very people who will be paying it decide. It’s too big a risk for them. They have no confidence in their own policies and, really, why would they?”

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Chris McDonald

NDP PEI Finance Critic

902-393-0406

chris.mcdonald@ndppei.ca

NDP Critic writes to Minister of Community Services and Seniors

Andrew Want — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:24:08 +0000

NDP PEI Community and Social Services Critic, Paulette Halupa, has written to Valerie Docherty, Minister of Community Services and Seniors, expressing concern over recent job cut announcements.

Halupa asks the Minister whether the Provincial Government is even concerned about children who are at risk and what will happen to those children with over-stretched Social Workers.

“How many children are going to fall through the cracks in the system?” asks Halupa “With a reduction in the number of social workers and those remaining being asked to do even more, what kind of safety net does that leave for those children most at risk and vulnerable?”

The NDP PEI also questions the priorities of the government highlighting spending in areas such as office renovating for ministers and increased administrative staff salaries while implementing cuts to services for Islanders.

“Once again, we are seeing the Liberal Government directing money away from front line workers who provide an essential services.” said Halupa, “This is a government and a minister who claims to care about the children of PEI and yet their actions would suggest just the opposite.”

Halupa is asking Minister Docherty to explain how the government aims to ensure that vulnerable Islanders receive the essential services they require and how remaining social workers are expected to cope with the increased workload.

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Paulette Halupa

Community and Social Services Critic

NDPPEI

Paulette.halupa@ndppei.ca

902-436-7079

NDP Questions PC Stance on HST, Reiterates call for Referendum

Andrew Want — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:00:48 +0000

The NDP PEI is calling on PEI’s Official Opposition to step up to the plate regarding the Harmonized Sales Tax.

“With regard to the HST” states Chris McDonald, Finance Critic “the PC’s seem to be dancing around the head of a pin and not stating where they stand on this issue.”

McDonald mentioned that asking for MLAs to resign and whether the Premier cared for Islanders was not taking a stand but, rather, sounds like a party that has run out of ideas.

The NDP PEI has previously called for a referendum on the HST to give Islanders a chance to decide whether they want it or not.

“We have stated our position. We have called for a referendum on HST and continue to do so.” said McDonald. “We know the Government’s position – they are obviously for it. But no one knows what the Official Opposition is thinking.”

McDonald concluded that it was the duty of the Official Opposition to clearly spell out their views when representing Islanders. “How can they hold the Government accountable when they have no position themselves?”

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Chris McDonald

Finance Critic, NDP PEI

(02) 393-0406

NDP ATLANTIC CAUCUS TO CONVENE IN CHARLOTTETOWN, MEET ISLANDERS

chrisvano — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:03:26 +0000

For Immediate Release
April 25, 2012

Charlottetown – Federal Executive Member Joe Byrne is pleased to introduce Islanders to an assembly of Atlantic Canada’s NDP MPs this Thursday and Friday in Charlottetown, PEI.

These members of Canada’s official opposition will be here to meet Islanders and hear about issues that matter to them. Some of those issues are expected to be surrounding the Department of Veterans Affairs, fisheries, search and rescue, Nova Scotia shipbuilding contracts, poverty and women’s issues.

According to Mr. Byrne, the Atlantic caucus’s choice to visit the Island reflects their commitment to establishing a strong, long-term presence on PEI.

“The Island is the last province holding out on electing an NDP member,” said Mr. Byrne, “but with the growing distrust of the Harper government, we know that Islanders want a real alternative. We see Islanders beginning to agree that the NDP represents the kind of Canadian values that the Harper government has more or less abandoned, and that NDP representation in the House is the only viable way to stop the flow of reckless policies and to start re-building the country we want to have.”

Mr. Byrne says that, above all, NDP MPs want to hear about the issues that Islanders themselves want to see tackled in parliament.

“I’ve spoken with members of the caucus and I know they’re looking forward to hearing from Islanders. They know that we’ve been dealt a hard blow with the federal and provincial budgets and they want to know how they can best represent our voices in parliament. I’m looking forward to introducing them to some of the best and most hard-working people in Canada.”

Everyone is invited to meet NDP MPs from Atlantic Canada at Timothy’s on Thursday, April 26 from 7:00 to 9:00 or attend the breakfast with veterans in the Canada Room at the Charlottetown Legion on Friday April 27 in the morning from 7:30-9:00.

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For more information, please contact Joe Byrne
(902) 367-8228

NDP Concerned About Island Beef Plant

chrisvano — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:41:01 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The NDP PEI is raising concerns over the future of the beef plant in PEI. In spite of cuts in Provincial Government funding James Rodd, Leader and Agiculture Critic, believes that the beef plant can survive but says that it will take better marketing and organization from the Board of Directors.

“We have the only Federally Inspected beef plant east of Montreal,” says Rodd “But it is losing money because it is in a very competitive market.” That market, continues Rodd, is the ‘Grain-fed cattle’ market.

Rodd states that a move to niche markets would make the beef plant far more viable. “There is a growing opportunity for ‘Grass-fed cattle’. It is a market that PEI could and should be a major player in.”

Rodd cited benefits to the consumer of grass-fed cattle

“There is a big enough market from the health-conscious consumer in eastern Canada and the North Eastern USA.” states Rodd, adding “If you look at grass fed cattle – it can have up to half the fat content of grain fed and is also lower in cholesterol and higher in Omega 3 fatty acids.”

Rodd included that hormone free and antibiotic free cattle that would also benefit the beef plant because it could become a leader in that market.

The NDP PEI note that PEI beef already has a great and growing reputation but in order to move to the next level it will require people with expertise in the industry.

“In order to succeed” continued Rodd “the beef plant would need board leadership with experience in the beef industry. Currently, we have a government appointed expert in pots and pans, and we wonder why the plant isn’t more succesful. If the provincial government showed commitment and willingness to promoting the beef plant and marketing, new markets could be cornered. Dollars alone are simply not enough. We also need a vision.”

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James Rodd, Leader and Agriculture and Rural
Development Critic

NDP PEI

jrodd@ndp.ca

(902) 218-3370

NDP PEI TAKE HARD STANCE ON HARMONIZED SALES TAX

chrisvano — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:37:11 +0000

NDP PEI TAKE HARD STANCE ON HARMONIZED SALES TAX

Province House – The NDP PEI is expressing grave concern for the low and middle income Islanders who will be footing the bill for the Ghiz government’s out of control spending habits. According to finance critic Chris McDonald, the government has resigned all fiscal credibility.

In the most recent budget, Premier Ghiz announced that, despite his previous statements, he would be harmonizing the sales tax on PEI. His about-face on this issue comes in the wake of the Ottawa Conservatives telling the province to clean up their finances after five years of dark red ink.

Since taking office, the Ghiz government has doubled our provincial debt. It sits now at two billion dollars.

According to Mr. McDonald, that Ghiz is willing to saddle the lower and middle class with this debt is unacceptable. Mr. McDonald says that Ghiz had no mandate to bring this tax to PEI and that it is widely unpopular because Islanders simply cannot afford to pay more for less.

“When you look at the figures, the Liberal Government really had no choice but to implement HST,” says McDonald, “They have backed themselves into a corner.”

McDonald goes on to explain that financial mismanagement has cost the province dearly.

“There are so many areas where the financial ineptitude shows – the biocommons, Ocean Choice, misuse of PNP funds, pushing hard for Plan B when it is unnecessary, fake hills, pedways and the issues with tourism and transportation spending, to name a few. This government doesn’t seem to know what it’s doing.”

As well, McDonald called on Finance Minister Wes Sheridan to come clean over his analysis of how the HST will benefit PEI. “What’s the methodology in saying that low income Islanders won’t be affected, that the HST rebate amount is appropriate, that 14% is the right rate, that $55,000′s the right cutoff amount? The Government must have done a very detailed analysis. Why can’t we see it?”

McDonald also explained that the provincial Conservatives are the least likely
opponents of HST.

“Olive Crane has hesitated to oppose the HST. Whether it’s because her federal counterparts were the ones who brokered the deal or because she’s afraid to stand up against the business community, thousands of Islanders who oppose the HST don’t have a political voice. We are that voice for Islanders.”

“There’s a simple bottom line here,” says McDonald. “Neither the Tories nor the Liberals are willing to stand up for the low or middle income Islanders. We are
there for them and will to listen to them and continue to be their voice.”

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For more information, contact Chris McDonald

NDP PEI
Finance Critic
chris.mcdonald@ndppei.ca
(902) 393-0406

NDP QUESTIONS HIGHWAY PRACTICES

chrisvano — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:33:25 +0000

- NDP QUESTIONS HIGHWAY PRACTICES

The New Democratic Party of PEI is
raising some serious concerns about the Transportation and Highways
Department. The Auditor General’s Report highlighted several instances
where the correct procedures had not been followed.

James Rodd, leader
of the NDP PEI, referred to the AG’s report directly saying that the
findings were similar to the issues that were found within the Tourism
Department. “Once again the Liberal Government has not followed the
correct procedures and has let Islanders’ money slip through their
fingers. The only questions that arise from this: Are they incompetent
or are they corrupt? If incompetent, they should be fired. If corrupt,
they should go to jail.”

The issues that Rodd highlights include:

DESIGN AND TENDERING – contracts over $100,000 need to be approved by
Treasury Board; in two out of five projects examined approval was not
obtained. In those cases and one additional, engineering services were
contracted out, but there were no documented contracts.

TENDERING -
performance security is required from the contractor with the winning
bid. In 3 out of 5 projects examined the department could not provide
evidence that security was obtained.

CONSTRUCTION MONITORING – should
be at least a start of project meeting and an end of project meeting
between the department and contractor. In 3 cases there were no
documented meetings. In 1 case there were two meetings with no minutes
and 1 project had only 1 meeting.

SCHEDULING & CONTRACT CHANGES -
construction schedules for all 5 projects were on file, but not signed
for, making it difficult to impose liquidated damages. There was
inadequate documentation of price adjustments and waiving of penalties.
There was one instance where price of liquid asphalt was adjusted but no
documented approval. 3 out of 5 projects had penalties for failed
profilograph testing waived without documentation of approval. 1 project
was overdue by 92 days; penalties were waived with no documentation of
approval.

PAYMENTS – instances occurred where payments were made by
people without signing authority.

HOLDBACKS – One instance where
$800,000 holdback was released in 33 days instead of 60. There were
instances where the Certificate of Substantial Completion (required for
payment) was signed by a project manager instead of the engineer. One
instance where the Certificate of SC was supposedly issued but there is
no copy. One instance where the holdback was $255,000 less than
required.

MATERIALS TESTING – There were “numerous instances” where
lab tests outside of allowable parameters were not signed for and field
tests for road asphalt that fell outside of acceptable parameters were
not signed for.

COMPACTION -PEI has a target minimum compaction for
asphalt of 91.6%. This is well below other provinces of 92.5% to 93.0%,
resulting in decreased durability of asphalt. Test results were provided
to the project manager on a timely basis, but signed for by lab
supervisors.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – in 3 out of 5 cases, no
meetings were held. In 2 out of 5 cases there were no discussions of the
environmental risks. It is standard practice to hold a pre-project
meeting to discuss environmental risks. One project required a Fish
Habitat Compensation Plan before beginning construction, and a restored
fish habitat within one year of construction. Neither has been
completed.

Rodd stated “It is beyond belief that this government
thinks it is above the law and can just ignore rules and procedures at
the taxpayers’ expense. Surely, enough is enough.” adding “The
outrageous disregard this government shows with regard to taxpayers,
highway safety and the environment seems to have no boundaries.”

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James Rodd, Leader and Transportation Critic

NDPPEI

jrodd@NDP.ca

(902) 218-3370

Budget Raises More Questions Than Answers

chrisvano — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:31:55 +0000

The NDP PEI is concerned that the Provincial Budget presented by the Finance Minister raises more questions than answers about the direction that the Liberal Government is taking the province.

Regarding the Harmonized Sales Tax, NDP Finance Critic Chris McDonald stated that while he was not totally opposed to the HST, there were many vague areas that needed clarity.

“We now know the rate is 14%,” said McDonald “but we question whether the lower tax rate on some goods will make up for the higher rate on others.”

McDonald also questions the effects of HST on low income Islanders. “Will an exemption on home heating oil really help the poorest Islanders who often live in rented accomodation?”

There is also concern that the HST will cost the province revenue. “With the provincial share dropping from 10% to 9%, this tax could cost PEI tax dollars.” added McDonald “This tax, like much of the Government’s financial dealings, is shrouded in mystery. Is it a done deal or are negotiations with the Federal Government still ongoing?”

The NDP PEI also has serious questions about the increases in fees, services, licences and permits. These are paid for by everyone, so a disproportionate amount will fall onto those with lower incomes. “Someone on a low income who has to keep a car on the road not only has to pay the increased gas cost due to HST, now they will have to spend more on their license renewal and motor vehicle inspection” said McDonald.

Chris McDonald will be issuing a full statement regarding the budget within the next few days.

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Chris McDonald
Finance Critic, NDP PEI
chris.mcdonald@ndppei.ca
(902) 393-0406

Government Job Cuts Wrong Way to Go

chrisvano — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:29:17 +0000

Government Job Cuts Wrong Way to Go

The Labour critic for the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island
believes the Ghiz government is taking the wrong route in choosing to cut
public sector jobs.

“We need a concerted and co-ordinated effort to create jobs in both the
public sector and the private sector,” Ron Kelly said. “Government should be
showing leadership by working with communities, unions, non-profit groups,
education and training institutions, farmers, fishers, businesses, etc., to
pursue a full employment policy. The goal should be to ensure that as many
Islanders as possible are working rather than drawing Employment Insurance
and/or social assistance.

“Job cuts are a negative drain on our economy. And the Ghiz government
can spin things any way it wants but there are still 500 jobs that will
disappear, 500 jobs that will not be there for our young people who will
have to leave the province to find work.

“Is this the Ghiz government’s idea of an immigration policy, a policy
that boosts the population of Alberta?”

Kelly also highlighted the economic effects these job cuts will have on
individuals, families, communities, the retail business sector and,
ultimately, the provincial government’s bottom line.

“When over 500 people either move to another province or shift from
receiving a paycheque to receiving EI or social assistance, less money is
spend in the local economy on groceries, clothing, housing, etc. Individuals
and their children and families move into poverty and local businesses see a
reduction in their sales. The government then sees a reduction in the
revenue it receives from income tax and sales tax.

“This is no way to grow an economy!”

The NDP critic claimed that the Ghiz government has other options.

“First and foremost, any government that claims to be trying to improve
the efficient use of public funds should eliminate the political and
personal patronage that has been acting as a drag on our public purse for
decades under both Liberal and Conservative governments,” he noted. “You
can’t on one hand claim to be operating an efficient government while also
allowing decisions on hiring and the awarding of public contracts to be
based on political considerations.”

“We should also be looking at a more progressive taxation system. Instead
of cutting jobs and public services, why not ensure that wealthy Islanders
and profitable corporations pay their fair share? By generating additional
public revenues from these sources, we could cut taxes on other Islanders
and still retain and expand our labour force. By directing such funds to job
creation in both the public and private sectors, we would be investing in
our people and improving the level and variety of goods and services that
are available to all Islanders.

“It’s very unfortunate that the Ghiz government has chosen to cut jobs
when they should be leading the effort to create jobs.”

NDP Call For 3% Cut To MLA Salaries

chrisvano — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:58:57 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NDP Call For 3% Cut to MLA Salaries

The New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island is asking Liberal and Conservative Members of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island to cut their own salaries by 3%.

NDP Leader James Rodd believes that it’s time for government spending cuts and job loss to be directly felt by those responsible for the Island’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

“The Premier announces hundreds of job cuts and then introduces legislation to maintain his own income at its current level,” Rodd noted. “Meanwhile, his government funds studies that it then ignores and spends money on untendered contracts that violate its own rules.”

Finance Minister Wes Sheridan announced that, despite a report by the Indemnities and Allowances Commission suggesting a 2% pay increase, there would be a continued freeze on MLA salaries.

Rodd believes it is hypocritical for members of the government to announce hundreds of job will be lost while imposing 3% cuts to all governmental departments, including unknown cuts in healthcare, without feeling the effects of those cuts for themselves.

Rodd also challenged Conservative Leader Olive Crane to support the NDP’s call.

“Initially, the Opposition Leader supported the 2% increase recommended by the Indemnities and Allowances Commission,” the NDP Leader said, “then she flip-flopped and called for a freeze to maintain MLA salaries at their current level. Does she have the backbone to come full circle and agree to a 3% reduction, to do her share in a fully proportional manner?”

If all 27 Members of Legislative Assembly took a 3% pay cut on their base salaries, the government would save $71,519.14 annually. This figure is roughly equal to two and a half times the average Island salary. Under a 3% pay decrease, the Premier’s annual income would decrease by $4093.14, Cabinet members and the Leader of the Opposition would take home $3330.96 less, while MLA’s would see an annual decrease of $1960.32.

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For Media Inquiries:

James Rodd: (902) 218-3370