No transparency; no accountability

Generally the base salary of MLAs increases every year on P.E.I. with the same explanation; they are underpaid and deserve parity with other provincial MLAs. The base salary for a P.E.I. MLA will rise to $70,095 April 1st, and include a host of other perks unknown to taxpayers.

A TC media investigation has revealed a secret slush fund long used by the Liberal and Conservative parties. Possibly every elected member knew all about this unethical use of taxpayers’ dollars within their sanctimonious backroom. Conservative non-cabinet MLAs can receive $200 per month on top of their salaries and Liberals $300 per month. Receipts are not required for mileage according to Opposition leader Jamie Fox. Receipts are not required for expenses.

No one, except Peter Bevan-Baker has been transparent about this practice of spending taxpayers’ money without proof of receipts.

The Conservatives abused the system, spending all of their office money by giving their chief of staff $18,463 in cheques which he cashed months after being laid off. Mr. Myers begged Premier Ghiz for more operating cash which the Conservatives required to keep their office running, which he received. Where and how did the Liberal premier of the day procure those funds?

Mike Duffy and other senators were labelled as cheaters but they pale in comparison to P.E.I. politicians who are supposed to be guardians of the public purse.

Our new premier’s slogan was and is “transparency and accountability.” How is he going to address this blatant disrespect by politicians? Want parity with other provinces? Follow their lead, by auditing and laying charges where warranted, and get rid of the loopholes. Gary A.O. MacKay, Birch Hill