(March 4, 2021) – Conception Bay South PC candidate Barry Petten says contractors hired by Nalcor should be subject to the same remuneration disclosure rules as everyone else.

He says a PC government will, if necessary, make legislative changes to ensure that’s clearly the case. Speaking on behalf of his party, Petten says a PC government will act to ensure there are no gray areas or loopholes for those who resist transparency to hide behind.

Petten’s comments came off the heels of revelations that seven contractors working on the Muskrat Falls project are fighting to keep the amount of money they’ve been paid a secret.

The PC candidate says the situation never should have gotten to this point. “For five years, the Liberal government has allowed a culture of secrecy and nepotism to poison not only
the Muskrat Falls project, but many others,” says Petten.

The PC candidate pointed to examples, such as:

· Allowing excessive bonuses to be paid out to Nalcor executives;
· Overpaying for a new adult mental health and addictions facility by more than $40 million;
· Making a secret deal with an American company to cut healthcare in Newfoundland and
Labrador.

“The fact of the matter is the Liberals never do the right thing for taxpayers without first facing intense scrutiny from the PC Party,” says Petten.

“It’s time for a new PC government that will respect taxpayers and foster a culture of openness and transparency while cracking down on corruption. That’s the first step towards stabilizing our economy, so we can Bring Back Jobs and get our province working again.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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