Shuffle draws criticism
Mayor of Montague, P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government point to what’s missing
A big cabinet shuffle Wednesday in P.E.I. is drawing criticism over what is now missing from executive council – representation for eastern P.E.I. and additional female cabinet ministers.
Montague Mayor Richard Collins says he was disappointed to learn there will be no MLA at the cabinet table from anywhere east of the Hillsborough River.
“In my living memory, I can never recall that ever happening, that there’s been no cabinet minister that wasn’t from this side of the Hillsborough Bridge in government,” Collins said.
He worries this will mean a reduced voice fighting for eastern P.E.I. that could also lead to reduced services.
“It’s a concern because I’ve been told many times by MLAs that unless you’re at the cabinet table, you don’t have any influence.”
Allen Roach and Alan McIsaac both announced Wednesday they would step down from cabinet but remain on as MLAs for their districts.
They are the only two members of MacLauchlan’s caucus with seats east of the Hillsborough Bridge, so this left the premier with few options.
Premier Wade MacLauchlan said he expected McIsaac and Roach to continue to be strong advocates for their region, adding the two former cabinet ministers might have a greater ability to work for their constituents now that they are no longer burdened with a portfolio.
“I’m confident that the area east of the river will be well represented, will continue to prosper and there is tons of room to work together as a caucus and together with our MPs and communities to advance those roles,” MacLauchlan said.
But Collins says he believes more could have been done to ensure the voice of eastern P.E.I. is represented at executive council, including trying to convince one of the eastern Liberal MLAs to continue on.
Meanwhile, the P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government raised its own concerns over the cabinet shuffle Wednesday over the fact it produced no increase in the number of women.
The current cabinet includes only two women among the 11 cabinet positions, which represents 18 per cent.
While Paula Biggar and Tina Mundy maintained their cabinet posts, the coalition was disappointed Kathleen Casey was not included among Wednesday’s appointments.
“Utilizing the full complement of elected women in the Liberal caucus would bring the percentage of women in cabinet much closer in line with the 30 per cent critical mass identified by the United Nations,” said the coalition’s executive director Dawn Wilson.
“Having more women at the decision-making table increases the potential for policy and programs that meet the needs of Island women, and the under-representation of women in cabinet severely limits the opportunity for women’s voices to be heard.”
The coalition is encouraging the premier and his cabinet to seek consultation with women’s organizations to apply gender and diversity analysis to policies and programs.