St. John’s, NL (June 6, 2025) – Barry Petten, PC Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and MHA for Conception Bay South, today spoke out about new information received through an Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) request that sheds more light on the Liberal government’s Kenmount Crossing land scandal.

The Liberals’ original press release and photo op highlighted a 10-acre land donation for the site of the new St. Clare’s hospital at Kenmount Crossing; it did not reference a secret $23 million side deal to purchase another 55 acres.  The heavily redacted ATIPP documents – with 60 pages withheld entirely – illustrate a rushed land deal with no call for proposals and no independent appraisal or value for money assessment.

“After six months waiting for these documents, I am floored over the lack of due process and rushed timeline of the land transaction,” said Petten. “In fact, the sign for the Liberal photo op was erected so fast it is not even on the land government purchased.  If there were not tens of millions of taxpayers’ money involved this would be laughable.”

Petten also reiterated concerns the PC caucus raised last fall in the House of Assembly that there was never an independent land appraisal completed.  He said the ATIPP documents confirm a partial appraisal was done on the 10-acre donation, but for the sole purpose of issuing a tax receipt to the proponents.

“The Liberals bought 55 more acres with a blank cheque and no tender process while land nearby was available for a fraction of the cost,” added Petten. “This is a serious abuse of power and corruption with taxpayers' money. It is time to end the secret deals.  After 10 years, it is time for a new PC government that will be accountable and open with the people of the province.”