FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2024
Statement from Matt MacFarlane on the Auditor General’s Report on the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being
Charlottetown, PE – Last week’s report from the Office of the Auditor General on the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Since its announcement by Premier King in 2021, the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being has been shrouded in mystery for both Islanders and opposition MLAs.
Initially introduced as the “Centre for Mental Well-Being” during Premier King’s State of the Province Address in February 2021, the concept promised to be a dedicated organization – funded by but independent of the government – that would collaborate with community organizations to establish a coordinated network of services for Islanders. However, by the fall Islanders learned that the “centre” had been rebranded as an “alliance” and would be responsible for distributing millions in taxpayer dollars through grants.
Grants to community organizations are undoubtedly important, but I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the Alliance. Over the last few years, my legislative colleagues asked pointed questions about the Alliance’s operations, funding, and accountability. However, fair questions about the allocation of taxpayer money, the justification for the $1 million operating costs, the criteria for selecting grant recipients, and the reporting requirements for the Alliance were met with evasive or dismissive responses from the Premier and the Minister of Health.
The Auditor General’s report confirms our worst fears: there was a significant lack of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the management of the Alliance. This failure belongs to the King government, which promised oversight but delivered negligence – costing Islanders nearly $8 million with no clear accountability. In the words of the Auditor General: “The Department of Health and Wellness did not manage the grant funding provided to the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being in accordance with all applicable policies.”
This situation exemplifies a broader pattern of reckless spending and insufficient oversight by this PC government. No previous administration in recent history has relied so heavily on special warrants – millions spent without legislative review or public scrutiny. Despite repeated calls for procurement reforms to introduce necessary checks and balances, nothing has changed. The recent revelation that Health PEI spent almost $2 million on consultants for a project that received no legislative approval further underscores the problem.
Premier King claims to lead the most transparent government in Island history. However, the evidence suggests otherwise. Islanders deserve a government that is both fiscally responsible and transparent. We cannot afford to continue on this path of unchecked, reckless spending. It is time for real accountability and a commitment to responsible and thoughtful use of public funds.
Matt MacFarlane
Third Party Critic for Health
MLA Borden-Kinkora
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Rankin
Chief of Staff
Office of the Third Party
Tel: (902) 213-6378
Email: kerankin@assembly.pe.ca