(May 5, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, says Education Minister Tom Osborne promised to rein in the spending of agencies, boards, and commissions (ABCs) when he was Finance Minister, but failed to deliver.

Petten is responding to comments in the media from Osborne where the Minister suggested greater accountability is needed from ABCs in light of reports of high spending at the Francophone School Board.

“Back in 2017, Osborne told the media that ABCs were ‘on notice’ for legislation that would ensure greater accountability and more efficiencies in their operations. To this day, such legislation has not been introduced at the House of Assembly,” said Petten.

“Osborne had his chance to get ABCs under control, but he did not deliver. To make further comments about wanting more transparency and accountability from ABCs just sounds like lip service to me.”

Osborne told the CBC in 2017: "It's important that we find efficiencies within agencies, boards and commissions," "If we're able to do that without legislation, look, I'm after results. If it takes legislation in order get there, well, then we'll look at legislation if necessary."

Petten says he believes recent stories show the need for the legislation.

“If Osborne was serious about this issue, he would have solved it when he had the chance. He chose empty words over legislation,” said Petten.

“I call on the Minister to work with the Department of Finance to bring forward the legislation he promised so we can be certain that ABCs are acting in the public’s interest during these difficult financial times.”

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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