St. John’s, NL (August 6, 2018) – Today, Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie is calling out the blatant Liberal cronyism that continues to run rampant under the Ball Liberal Government.

“Liberal cronyism continues to thrive under the Ball Liberals, with an appointment of a failed Liberal candidate to the core body that is supposed to ensure a merit-based, non-political public service,” said Crosbie

“This is undeniably worse than even the previous crony appointments -- this is the equivalent of putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop!” 

Crosbie refers to the recent appointment of George Joyce as the Interim Chairperson of the Public Service Commission. Joyce – who is a relative of suspended Liberal MHA Eddie Joyce – previously ran for the Liberals in the 2007 and 2011 General Elections. 

Crosbie believes the blatant cronyism displayed in this appointment, made by Minister Tom Osborne on behalf of the Ball Liberal Government, threatens public confidence in our democratic institutions. 

“When I decided to enter provincial political life, one of my key goals was to restore confidence in our institutions of government. This decision flies in the face of everything the PC Party, under my leadership, believes in.” added Crosbie

“This destroys confidence in the very idea of a non-partisan civil service, and does nothing to build trust with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Crosbie acknowledges the appointment of Joyce is part of a larger trend of Liberal cronyism, noting the following:

• Bern Coffey, former Liberal leadership candidate, was appointed Clerk of the Executive Council;
• Paula Walsh, former Liberal candidate, was appointed ‎Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Safety and Enforcement) with the Justice and Public Safety department;
• Tony Grace, former Liberal political assistant in the Tobin era, was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Lands) in the Municipal Affairs department.
• Ted Lomond, former Liberal Party executive member, was appointed Deputy Minister of the Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development department;
• Lauren Wiseman, former Liberal political assistant, was appointed Director of Communications ‎with the Education and Early Childhood Development department and reassigned to Advanced Education and Skills;
• Chris Pickard, political colleague of Minister Dale Kirby, was appointed Director of Communications in Minster Kirby’s department.

“This has gone on for long enough, and it is time for Dwight Ball and his Liberals to show real leadership in ending political cronyism that is destroying public trust in our democracy.” said Crosbie 

Contact: Media@ChesCrosbie.ca, (709) 222-9092