Strip show democracy trumps amalgamation fairness, says Opposition

A door-to-door canvas of residents near the site of a proposed all-male stripper show drew a heated exchange in the legislature on Friday morning.

Rustico-Emerald MLA Brad Trivers argued that the effort to collect feedback about the event, carried out by P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission staff, was more of an effort than had been expended to solicit public opinion about the proposed Three Rivers amalgamation.

The all-male strip show, which had been initially planned at the Route 145 Bar and Grill, was cancelled after the bar’s owner feared he would lose customers. Following department policy, P.E.I. LCC staff canvassed between 160 and 170 homes to solicit opinions about the event. They found most residents were in favour or had no objections to the event.

“Why does this government take more time and effort to consult residents about nude entertainment than amalgamation?” Trivers asked during question period on Friday.

Communities, Land and Environment Minister Richard Brown said the amalgamation process is before the Island Regulatory Appeals Commission.

“A mediator has been appointed for the Three Rivers area and they are working themselves through the process,” Brown said.

“There have been meetings in the Three Rivers areas and everybody got together for these meetings.”

The Three Rivers amalgamation would include Brudenell, Cardigan, Lorne Valley, Lower Montague, Montague and Valleyfield and some other areas that are unincorporated. A privately-sponsored plebiscite, organized by a group opposed to the amalgamation, was held in January. Over 1,000 votes were cast, with 94 per cent of these voters opposing the initiative.

Speaking after question period, Trivers said a process for democratic consultation was lacking in the Three Rivers process.

“If it’s a municipality or the ministry that puts forward the proposal, they don’t have to talk to anybody. There’s nothing in the legislation that says they have to,” Trivers said.

According to a representative of the Department of Communities, Land and Environment, a mediator is currently working with the municipalities facing amalgamation. A report is expected within 60 days.

Public meetings have been held by IRAC over the past two years, and a public hearing will be held following the release of the mediator’s report.

Finance Minister Heath MacDonald said the process involved with the two situations was very different.

“I don’t think it’s really comparable. Honestly I think there is a process in place for the municipality amalgamation and I think we’re following it,” MacDonald said.