(April 30, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, today condemned the lavish expenses as outlined in media reports which details some $100,000 over three years spent by the Francophone school board executive director.

“The reports of luxury hotel accommodations and first class travel are appalling. This is clearly against policy. Government has sat back since last year when reports surfaced that Ms. Christianson had moved out of the province and refused to come back, despite continuing to draw her salary of over $150,000 a year. This is outrageous!” said Petten.

“Government appears either unwilling or unable to deal with this blatant abuse of power. The legislature sat only last week and it is disappointing that Minister Osborne did not bring forward any legislation, if required, to deal with this situation.”

Petten says at a time of fiscal crisis before the province, this kind of needless luxury that is apparently approved of by both the board of directors is bizarre and unacceptable.

“The Board of Directors, who appear to be defending this behavior, needs to be bought to task for failure to provide proper oversight,” said Petten.

“Minister Osborne needs to wake up and get control over his department.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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