Whistle blowers need protection

Most of us know by now that the administration of the PNP program under the previous administration was derelict and irresponsible, perhaps even worse. But long before most of us were aware of the gross irregularities there were three women employed in the administration of the program who went out on a limb and blew the whistle on what was happening.

They had the courage to do the right thing, and yet how were they treated? In a word, despicably, as though they were the delinquents. They were removed from employment, then mocked and maligned when the public became aware of the situation. The former premier, apparently believing he could get away with anything if he denied it brazenly enough, called them “crazy”, and the present premier has done nothing to right the injustice.

He has refused to address the widespread malfeasance that existed throughout the previous administration, saying it is the future, not the past that is important to him. But those women are not living in the premier's conveniently shuttered past. They, and the hurt that they carry, are very much of the present.

The perpetrators continue to be protected, while the conscientious objectors to what was going on have been hung out to dry. In a word, this present administration is adding injury to insult.

Presently the premier says that whistle-blowing legislation is not necessary, yet his failure to address the wrong that was done to these women is a prime example of why legislated protection would seem to be required. David Weale, Vision P.E.I.