For the political scientist, Don Desserud, these muscular exchanges are a sign that the provincial elections of 2023 are approaching.
” We’ve seen things spiral out of control at times, especially when people’s personal lives have come into the discussion. »
The obtaining of a federal grant by the wife of Prime Minister Dennis King, Jana Hemphill, for example, motivated personal attacks between parliamentarians.
On occasion, the leader of the official opposition, Peter Bevan-Baker has suggested that the granting of this grant to the wife of Dennis King was unfair.
The politician made a point of pointing out that the premier’s spouse was receiving money, while the provincial government was failing to provide financial assistance to low-income residents.
The opposition suggested a possible conflict of interest, which was ultimately not proven.
In response to the Leader of the Opposition, Dennis King came to the defense of his wife and highlighted her professional skills.
Political science professor Don Desserud expects parliamentarians to be even more aggressive in the fall. (archives)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Nicolas Steinbach
Attacks from the provincial cabinet
Don Desserud also recalled an episode involving the Minister of the Environment, Steven Myers.
The politician had to apologize for insulting the leader of the opposition and of the Green Party, Peter Bevan-Baker.
It’s part of his character. He has that kind of strong character. The people in his riding admire him. They think he’s a person who gets things done. […] We expect to see that from him,
he explains.
Steven Myers is Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Environment. (archives)
Photo: CBC
The Minister said the leader of the Greens was speaking on both sides of the mouth
in affordable housing.
The politician was referring to the fact that Peter Bevan-Baker once owned a secondary property which he rented through the Airbnb platform.
According to experts, the housing crisis is partly due to short-term rental services.
The incident occurred during debate on a motion that was to address the housing crisis in Prince Edward Island.
Assembly Speaker Colin LaVie acknowledged that the minister’s comments were out of place.
Peter Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Opposition and of the Green Party in Prince Edward Island, is the Member of Parliament for New Haven-Rocky Point.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jessica Doria-Brown
Attacks that harm the debate
These personal attacks limit the debate by arousing strong emotions among parliamentarians, according to Don Desserud.
” It is very difficult for people to debate certain subjects which elicit very emotional reactions. »
He explains that this is a strategy for the next provincial elections that may not be very effective with the electorate.
This kind of personal attack does not help the tone of the debates in the parliamentary session.
explains the political scientist.
Don Desserud expects parliamentarians to be even more aggressive in the fall.
The next provincial elections are scheduled for fall 2023.
The motion to rename the Confederation Bridge was unanimously approved two weeks ago. (archives)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Shane Hennessey
The spring parliamentary session nevertheless presented projects that united all parties.
The proposed renaming of the Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing is an example of this.
An approved carbon tax
The approval of the bill to increase the island’s carbon tax marked the last day of the assembly on Friday.
Since 2020, the province had not increased this federally imposed tax.
With the approval of the project, the price of gasoline on the island increased by 5.1 cents per liter on Monday, bringing the price at the pump to $1.99.
The liter of diesel was increased by 6.2 cents. The price of this fuel reached $2.59 per liter on Monday.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca