Premier under fire over stimulus list
Premier Stephen Mcneil came under heavy criticism Thursday for his government's continued refusal to release a complete list of projects being funded under a $228-million stimulus program.
The Mcneil government announced the stimulus fund back in May and projected the program would create 1,500 direct and 520 indirect jobs during this fiscal year. The money is intended to be spent repairing and building roads, bridges, buildings and waterfront properties.
The Department of Transportation Infrastructure and Renewal backtracked on its pledge to provide CBC with a detailed list of tenders awarded and their value under the program.
When pressed by reporters Thursday, Mcneil said the tenders are available on the province's website and stimulus projects are accounted for in the government's capital plan.
“The idea that somehow they are being hidden is just a ridiculous notion," said the premier. "They are spread out across the province and we are trying to get people to work.”
But none of the tenders on the website indicate which are stimulus
projects and the government is not providing a clear list of projects earmarked for the program.
Tom Urbaniak, a Cape Breton University political science professor, said there's no excuse for the government not to make the list public.
“It should be easy with modern systems of accounting and financial reporting to provide a tally and list of stimulus projects awarded or initiated so far, to which contractors they have been awarded, and the current status of those projects,” said Urbaniak.
“It sounds like a no-brainer, actually. Someone within government should have that accounting.”
Both opposition leaders agreed, saying Nova Scotia taxpayers are entitled to the information.
“I was hoping (the premier) would just produce the list," said Tory Leader Tim Houston. “There's no reason to hide it from taxpayers."
NDP Leader Gary Burrill accused the premier of “being deliberately and willfully obtuse” in obscuring a very simple request.
“The request is pretty simple, separate out for the public what is the difference between the capital plan that you would have had and what is the part of the infrastructure plan that is related entirely to stimulus and COVID recovery,” said Burrill.