Province paid law firm $40K for 3 weeks of work: NAPE

The largest union in Newfoundland and Labrador says the provincial government has paid $40,009.40 in legal fees to a law firm for three weeks' worth of work in June.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees said Thursday that an access to information request revealed the large sum was sent to McInnes Cooper between June 1 and 24.

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The government has hired the firm to help in upcoming contract negotiations with the province's unions.

This tally comes on top of a previous $60,000 the province spent on the same law firm. It also includes about $20,000 paid to Cathy Dornan, a crisis communicator that the law firm has itself hired.

"Four months – over $100,000 and counting. And we haven't even met at the bargaining table," said NAPE President Jerry Earle in a statement. "This is an absolutely shameful use of the people's money."

Earle said the union will continue to file ATIPPA requests monthly to keep tabs on the legal fees, saying this money could be better spent on health services such as Botwood's emergency room or X-ray services in Bonavista.

"The list goes on. Let the MHAs for those districts, the cabinet, and this premier explain that to the people of this province; to the families who are suffering as a result," he wrote.

More resources needed, government said

Finance Minister Cathy Bennett released a statement Thursday afternoon that defended the government's hiring of McInnes Cooper — but did not address the cost of the firm.

She said the provincial government felt it needed more help in the upcoming contract talks.

"In the last round of bargaining, Government had more dedicated resources than we currently do," she wrote. "They are a firm with significant experience in this area.  This is prudent and responsible."

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Bennett said the Human Resource Secretariat is still "the lead" on negotiations, and that the law firm is simply supporting the government in "whatever services are required."

"Government engages resources when faced with complex issues.  This is nothing new. "

Bennett was not available for further comment.

PCs waiting for answers

Earlier Thursday afternoon, PC finance critic Keith Hutchings said he asked for more answers one month ago, but still hasn't heard back.

Hutchings asked for copies of invoices, and wanted to know what services in particular the government is paying for.

"Minister Bennett is showing contempt for the people of our province by withholding this information," he said in a release.

"Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent."