P.E.I.'s Official Opposition raises concerns over free concert passes

The leader of P.E.I.'s Official Opposition is raising concerns about the premier and others from his administration accepting free passes to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

Opposition and Progressive Conservative Party interim leader Jamie Fox said government members shouldn't attend concerts at taxpayers' expense.

"Politicians must be above reproach. And one thing we must strive for is integrity. And I have to wonder if things like this don't question our integrity," he said.

Among last year's recipients were Premier Wade MacLauchlan, three cabinet ministers and some government staffers.

In an audit report released this week, it was revealed that ACL paid $14,000 for 125 tickets to the music festival.

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The ACL said it received some of the tickets through sponsorship deals but paid for other tickets.

The premier's office issued a brief statement on the matter.  

"Following the release of the report of the Auditors General of the Atlantic Provinces, ALC is reviewing its policies with respect to sponsorships and attendance at events. While the actions highlighted in the report were initiatives of ALC, the Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to conducting business in a way that ensures good Government is at the core of all of our decisions and actions.

We believe the hosting of government officials should only take place when there is a clear business or representative purpose."

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