Opposition blocked again on PNP motions

The Liberal majority on P.E.I.'s public accounts committee has once again blocked attempts by the Opposition to learn more about the controversial provincial nominee program.

Auditor General Colin Younker was back in front of the committee Thursday. Twice this month, the Liberal majority has blocked efforts by the opposition to have Younker reveal the names of companies and MLAs who have been involved with the immigrant investor program.

On Thursday, the opposition was looking to call new witnesses to delve deeper into the program, and had those efforts blocked.

Progressive Conservative MLA Jim Bagnall wanted to know who would be responsible for paying back the immigrant investors who don't get accepted into Canada.

"We should find out whether all the Island businesses that received PNP units are going to be liable if things fall through with the immigrants," said Bagnall.

Younker said the potential liability could be almost $15 million if 10 per cent of immigrants are rejected, which may be the case. He added that because of the huge volume of investor deals approved in 2008, delays at the federal level are expected.

Even Ottawa bureaucrats disagree on the wait. The deputy immigration minister has said 18 months, while the woman in charge of the program has said five years.

Motions defeated

Opposition leader Olive Crane raised motions to call in the two Ottawa bureaucrats. The Liberals defeated both motions.

Liberal MLA Janice Sherry said she is content with just hearing from Younker.

"I believe that the questions and information that was contained in the report is complete," said Sherry.

Crane said the Liberals were preventing the committee from carrying out its responsibilities.

"Public accounts' job is to hold government accountable, and every time we try to do that, we're blocked," she said.

Younker will be back before the committee for further questions next week.