(May 19, 2022, St. John's) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader, and Helen Conway Ottenheimer, PC Official Opposition Deputy House Leader, say they have been advised the report allegedly containing serious allegations against a statutory officer of the House of Assembly is not required to be presented to the Management Commission of the House of Assembly.

“We have spoken with the relevant authorities and have been advised the alleged report does not rest with the Management Commission. That means there are three possibilities for current custody of the report: either it remains with the Speaker’s Office, it has been presented to Cabinet, or it has been presented to the Attorney General,” said Petten.

“We take this matter very seriously. There are employees in the public service who are alleged to have been subject to harassment and bullying. We’ve heard from people with direct knowledge of the existence of the report who are dismayed at a lack of accountability. We stand with the alleged complainants and their families: this report must be made public and addressed according to its contents.”

Conway Ottenheimer says it’s the duty of the House of Assembly to ensure serious allegations are addressed appropriately to protect public employees.

“Anyone working in the public service has a right to a safe, respectful workplace. We have not been given a reasonable explanation as to why this report has not already been addressed appropriately. It’s deeply concerning and we call for transparency with the people of the province,” said Conway Ottenheimer.

“We must ensure allegations are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. If there’s nothing in this report, then the public has a right to know that, too. But until we know for certain the contents of the report, speculation will continue. Employees will continue working in what is an alleged toxic work environment. It’s not fair to the employees, it’s not fair to the accused, and it’s not fair to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca