Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie says he's concerned about incorrect information provided by Wayne Easter regarding the Labour Market Development Agreement. The Malpeque Liberal candidate made the remarks during an all candidates debate on CBC Radio on Wednesday morning.
In the course of the debate, Mr. Easter said the province gets $25 million in monies to dole out without controls. He added that as soon as he got back to Ottawa he would ask the Auditor General to conduct an audit on the funds.
"Mr. Easter is wrong in his understanding of the LMDA," said Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. "In fact, the LMDA funds are co-managed by the federal department of Human Resources Development (HRDC), along with representatives from various provincial government departments. All expenditures are managed by the federal government to their standards and controls. And I believe the investments the LMDA has made in the PEI Labour Market are solid."
The Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement was first signed in 1997. The agreement outlines a partnership framework whereby the provincial and federal governments work together to design and manage labour market development programs and services within the province. The Province of Prince Edward Island cannot approve projects without agreement from federal partners.
"Mr. Easter has confused the Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement with agreements signed in other provinces, " Minister Currie said. " In some jurisdictions, the province has a free hand in deciding how labour market investments are made. That is not the case here, and Mr. Easter should have been more sure of his facts before making such an outrageous claim."
Mr. Currie said that if the Auditor General of Canada wants to investigate the work of the LMDA, he is more than welcome to. He says the fund is well managed and has provided work for hundreds of Islanders.
"I hope Mr. Easter realizes what kind of damage can be created by misleading the public in this way. The LMDA has supported important projects in the province - and supported people who want to get back to work. I hope nothing he says results in LMDA funds being cut. That, to my mind, would be extremely irresponsible."