The Prince Edward Island government is in the process of exploring a “fresh approach” for selecting individuals to serve on the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, as well as other entities under provincial oversight. Premier Rob Lantz, responding to Opposition Leader Hal Perry’s inquiry during the P.E.I. Legislature’s question period, mentioned ongoing efforts to revise the appointment procedures.
Perry questioned Lantz about government directives to IRAC and urged for an impartial review to rebuild public trust. Lantz emphasized the continuous evaluation of public institutions to ensure public confidence, revealing plans for a new appointment model for IRAC currently in development.
Presently, appointments to IRAC are made by the Lieutenant Governor based on cabinet recommendations. Past appointments to the commission have faced criticism regarding the selection of individuals. Various political affiliations of key figures within IRAC, such as the current chair and CEO Pamela Williams and vice-chair Kerri Carpenter, have raised questions about the appointment process.
In a post-question period interview with CBC News, Lantz stressed the importance of transparency in the selection process for IRAC and other provincial boards and agencies. He highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in appointment decisions, citing a jurisdictional review to benchmark against other provinces’ practices.
Acknowledging the political landscape in P.E.I., Lantz noted the challenge of avoiding political connections due to the province’s size. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing processes for appointing and employing individuals, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
While no specific timeline has been provided, Lantz affirmed the government’s dedication to continuous improvement in appointment procedures and operational practices.