Q&A: Jamie Fox on P.E.I. Opposition's plan to tackle fall legislative sitting
Sara Fraser | CBC News | Posted: November 16, 2016 12:00 AM | Last Updated: November 16, 2016
'We have a premier that was not open with the public'
The fall sitting of the P.E.I. Legislature began Tuesday, and Opposition Leader Jamie Fox says his caucus is prepared.
The party with the most seats controls the agenda in the House but Question Period belongs to the Opposition and Fox plans to use it to the fullest.
For a peek into the Opposition's thinking, CBC TV: Compass anchor Bruce Rainnie sat down with leader Fox, who oversees the Opposition caucus of James Aylward, Colin LaVie, Darlene Compton, Brad Trivers, Steven Myers, whip Sidney MacEwen and Matthew MacKay, Opposition House Leader.
The first Question Period of the session focussed on e-gaming. Is that a sign of things to come?
"Yes, it's a serious issue," Fox said. "Rules were broken by senior officials and even government members elected. As we get into more of the AG report, we saw and are finding out how much was done that was against government policy and government guidelines. This type of activity cannot be accepted, and the Premier needs to answer for it."
The electoral reform process — how hard do you push on that, especially given that your district was clearly in favour of first past the post?
"I have to look very closely at the numbers and I've done that. District 19, all five rounds voted first past the post. What does that mean?" he said.
"One thing I've said from the very start is that my caucus in no way shape or form are restricted in the way they speak about this plebiscite."
Is it divided, your caucus?
"Of course it is. We have some ridings that are thinking one way and other ridings that are thinking another way."
How did you vote?
"I personally voted first past the post. Do I support it? Yes I have. I think it works — you look at Herb Dickieson who was elected before, Peter Bevan-Baker of course. That's not to say that — I think we maybe need to look at some type of electoral reform or some new system possibly and I'm open to that."
What did you like and not like about the government's new mental health and addiction strategy released Monday?
"I actually found it quite funny because I did not see anything. Take the Hillsborough Hospital -- there's a facility that needs to be improved and rebuilt."
"Mental health on the Island is an important issue to families and Islanders. When I was a police officer before, I saw and was very front with mental health issues. It's something we need to address and I don't think this government has — what they've done. They're just going to put it off with some pillars and we'll see what happens in another year and a half or two years down the road."
How much time will you spend on the school review?
"That's actually keeping me very busy," Fox said. "The school issue's a big issue and we'll be dealing with that on the floor of the House."
"We have schools that are underutilized and schools that are overutilized. Well, that tells you something."
"Why do we always cut front-line services when we're in tough financial times? We should be looking at administration and senior management."
The Cornwall bypass — how much time do you spend on that?
"We have a premier that was not open with the public. Take it back into the House — three sessions of the House, two budgets, almost hitting three — where there was never a mention of the Cornwall bypass."
"We have a premier that talks about 'open' and 'transparent' constantly. Be open and transparent with what you're saying to Islanders."
This interview was edited for length.
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