In recent weeks, the Auditor General’s Report has shaken the faith of many Nova Scotians in the integrity of their elected representatives.
People want to know how these inappropriate and excessive claims occurred, how the disclosure of information was handled, and what they can expect moving forward. They have questions and they deserve answers.
In my capacity as leader, I want to be clear on where the Progressive Conservative Caucus stands on the Auditor General’s Report.
On February 3, the Speaker’s Office provided each party leader with the names of MLAs cited in the report.
My office immediately contacted our current and former MLAs to advise them of the information as it related to their expenses and encouraged them to work with the Speaker’s Office to resolve any questionable expenses contained in the report. I do not condone the use of taxpayers dollars to purchase items identified as inappropriate.
I am sorry this has occurred, and I apologize to Nova Scotians.
I also share with Nova Scotians their disappointment in the fact that not all MLAs chose to provide full disclosure.
Since receiving the report, our caucus members met to identify topics for review and consideration as we move forward.
These were submitted to the Speaker’s Office on February 17.
Two of the suggestions could be implemented immediately.
• Post MLA expense claims online; and,
• Introduce use of purchase orders to acquire constituency office assets.
These topics were also shared with former Speaker Art Donohoe, the Auditor General, leaders of the other two political parties, and House leaders from all three parties.
These topics are intended to improve the rules governing MLA expense submissions.
You can view these topics for discussion on our website at pccaucus.ns.ca. Your feedback is welcome, and your opportunity to submit your ideas exist through that website.
Over the next month our caucus will prepare for the second session of the 61st general assembly, which opens on March 25.
This session, I believe, will set the tone of where this government intends to lead our province.
As a caucus, we recognize that tough choices need to be made.
Should Nova Scotians expect to see a two per cent increase in the HST?
Should Nova Scotians expect to see deep program cuts?
Should Nova Scotians expect to see a second deficit budget by this government?
Raising the HST or raising personal income taxes is not the kind of fiscal policy that creates jobs or spurs the economy. What it does do is...it gives Nova Scotians less disposable income, it makes Nova Scotia less competitive on the world stage, and it forces our young and talented people to go elsewhere.
Solutions that respond to the fiscal realities of our province do exist within all sectors across government. Solutions also exist with government, private business and industry working together .
I encourage all Nova Scotians to share their ideas through their MLA or directly to the Office of the Minister of Finance.
Thank you.
