Fiscal Responsibility

March 4, 2019/Joe Byrne

Whenever the NDP calls for better (and much needed) social programs, such as affordable housing and adequate health care, the knee-jerk reaction is: “Yes, we need this; but how do we pay for it?”.

Islanders can recall that in January 2017, the provincial government gave $23 million to Bell Aliant in an untendered contract to improve rural internet service. A few months later, Stanley Bridge, Hope River, Bayview, Cavendish and North Rustico residences spent hundreds of dollars of their own money in a deal with Eastlink for services. What a bonus for Bell! Moreover, the following year, Miltonvale contributed an additional $203,000 to Bell’s coffers. To date, 25% of Miltonvale households are still without adequate internet. Money well spent? We don’t think so!

Imagine if that same amount of money had been allocated to improving health services and to providing affordable housing? Taxpayers would have something to show for their money. In other words, improving the lives of everyday Islanders can only be achieved through sound and transparent fiscal management.

Posted in --- Blogs ---, Governance, NDP PEI Leader Blog, Uncategorized

Joe Byrne

Here on PEI, Joe has worked on numerous social programs in rural communities. He has done field work on issues faced by university and college students, has been Director of Youth Ministry, and has also coordinated pastoral planning for the diocese. He remains active in the Latin American Mission Program, and is President of the Cooper Institute, a grass-roots collective for community development. He also counts among his volunteer and community work Charlottetown Abbies soccer, church Youth and Music ministries, Voluntary Resource Council, Peace Vigil Group, Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, Canada World Youth, and Katimavik hosting. He keeps up his interaction with young people as a part-time instructor for the Abegweit Driving School. All of this, he does in addition to his work in the NDP. His vast array of church and community experiences have helped him cultivate his skills in communication, organization, and consensus building, and also brought him the joy of forming hundreds of friendships.

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