Re: Matter 529 - NB Power Rate Design and Bill 32 Does anyone think this Bill will pass before June 7th?
Gould, Kevin (AGNB/VGNB)<Kevin.Gould@gnb.ca> | Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 2:38 PM |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
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David Amos<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 2:38 PM |
| To: jolyne.roy@gnb.ca, deidre.green@gnb.ca, paul.martin@gnb.ca, janice.leahy@gnb.ca, julie.weeks2@gnb.ca, julian.williams@gnb.ca, kevin.gould@gnb.ca, bill.ivey@gnb.ca, ben.jacobs@gnb.ca, peter.macleod@gnb.ca, dan.mccullough@gnb.ca, Chris.Mitchell@gnb.ca, christian.obrien@gnb.ca, jacob.pappoe@gnb.ca, "blaine.higgs" <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, "kris.austin" <kris.austin@gnb.ca> | |
| Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "robert.mckee" <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, "Rene.Legacy" <Rene.Legacy@gnb.ca>, "keith.chiasson" <keith.chiasson@gnb.ca>, "David.Coon" <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)" <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)" <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca> | |
Thursday, 17 August 2023 Auditor general faces scrutiny of his own after a dozen departures from his office | |
Auditor general faces scrutiny of his own after a dozen departures from his office
Green leader raises questions about staff changes coinciding with COVID audit delay
Green Party Leader David Coon says he plans to question Paul Martin about why so many people have left.
Former deputy auditor general Janice Leahy and two senior auditors are among the 12 no longer with the department.
"It sends a negative message to the public and to all MLAs that this legislative officer has made these decisions that raise a lot of questions about motivation," Coon said.
Former deputy auditor general Janice Leahy and two senior auditors are among the 12 no longer with the department. (Pascal Raiche-Nogue/Radio-Canada)
"Why would he undermine the strength and expertise and resources within his office at a time when he's got so much work to do? It makes no sense."
Through a spokesperson, Martin confirmed that 12 people have left since the start of 2023.
Nine new people have been hired, including a new deputy, Deidre Green.
The 12 departures represent more than one-third of the 32 employees who now work for the auditor general.
Martin is scheduled to appear at the legislature's public accounts committee on Sept. 7 to present the first of two audits of the Higgs government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic — a period when he was working directly for the province.
His committee appearance was scheduled for June but was postponed until July and then postponed again.
Green Party Leader David Coon said he’ll raise the departures with Martin at the committee meeting in September. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Coon said this raises even more questions about the timing of the three firings.
"Is it a coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. But there's lots of questions to ask about that."
Martin said in June that the COVID report was postponed because "these are complex audits and sufficient time is needed to finalize this work."
Martin refused an interview request, and in an emailed statement would not explain why so many people left his office.
"The office does not comment on specific human resource matters," he wrote.
Leahy did not respond to an interview request sent by email and left on her home voicemail.
She served as acting auditor general for part of 2021 before Martin was appointed to the position to replace Kim Adair-MacPherson.
Leahy also took the lead on some audit reports released after Martin's appointment because they scrutinized government programs he monitored in his former role as comptroller, an internal watchdog position in the Department of Finance.
In
2021 a former auditor in the office, Brent White, urged the Higgs
government to recruit the new auditor general from outside the civil
service. (Submitted by Mount Allison University )
In 2021 a former auditor in the office, Brent White, urged the Higgs government to recruit the new auditor general from outside the civil service.
White argued that hiring auditors general from within the government risked compromising their independence, violating key tenets of the accounting sector's professional standards.
Martin is the third consecutive auditor general appointed from within the civil service.
Higgs said in 2022 that when a hiring committee recommended Martin, he raised the independence issue himself but was assured that files he handled as comptroller would be "treated independently … so you're not reviewing your own work."
Martin was recommended by a selection committee made up of the clerk of the executive council, the clerk of the legislature, a judge and a university vice-president.
He told CBC News when he was appointed he would recuse himself from audits that touched on his own previous work as comptroller.
Premier
Blaine Higgs said in 2022 that when a hiring committee recommended
Martin, he raised the independence issue himself but was assured that
files he handled as comptroller would be 'treated independently … so
you're not reviewing your own work.' (Pat Richard/CBC)
"You just have to use your professional judgment and know when that turns into an actual or perceived conflict and when are the right times to back out," he said.
Coon said he'll raise the departures with Martin at the committee meeting in September.
"I'll have lots of questions for him as to why he made these decisions and what was the motivation, because we're talking about very experienced staff people, very senior staff people."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
72 Comments
David Amos
I bet the former deputy auditor general and two senior auditors are reading these comments
David Amos
I repeat the constant laments of the Green Party Leader have become a joke to me
Rhys Philbin
Reply to David Amos
I’m no fan but asking for accountability is not a joke.
Why 12 we’ll paid civil servants jump ship is a good question.
David Amos
Reply to Rhys Philbin
Check my work
Reply to David Amos
I’m no fan but asking for accountability is not a joke.
Why 12 we’ll paid civil servants jump ship is a good question.
David Amos
Reply to Rhys Philbin
Check my work
Donald Gallant
Seems like a lot of good people have just up and left.
This seems like it needs a thorough investigation
David Amos
Reply to Donald Gallant
Everybody knows why they left
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Did Poitras figure it out?
Donald Gallant
Think I read where someone was quoted as saying
“ Data be Darned “
Looks like that could apply to employees and voters as well.
Reminds one of a Sinatra song. My Way.
David Amos
Reply to Donald Gallant
Did Frank sing about Bill 32 like I did?
Ronald Miller
So Higgs himself questioned how the auditor is chosen by the independent committee that chooses that person yet the anti-Higgs crowd is still trying to make this sound like a Higgs issue, this stuff writes itself.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
This is all about Higgy
Ronald Miller
Reply to David Amos
Article title says otherwise.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
Read between the lines
Ronald Miller
Reply to David Amos
There is only empty space between the lines.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
Premier Blaine Higgs said in 2022 that when a hiring committee recommended Martin, he raised the independence issue himself but was assured that files he handled as comptroller would be 'treated independently … so you're not reviewing your own work.'
Marc Bourque
If the citizens of NB knew how GNB handles business in all depts.,they would be appalled...
David Amos
Reply to Marc Bourque
Oh So True
Michael Cain
Reply to Marc Bourque
I don't think the ministers really have any role in "managing" departments, but more of a big daddy overseer of getting things done. Team Higgs has put everyone on notice their job is at stake if he doesn't get what he wants.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
My goodness you are awfully upset at how well this province has been run as compared to Ottawa.
Le Wier
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Unless, New Brunswickers have had to get in contact with any GNB departments in the last 3 years they would not know how the departments are being run. I have, and it’s an up hill battle to get to speak to anyone in authority in these departments. The government is transparent in the fact that if you want to be directed to the right employee you have to contact the premier’s office, or be forever caught on a merry go round.
Marc LeBlanc
Reply to Ronald Miller
Ronny, you need to print yourself up some great big posters and pace in front of the legislature and show your undying support for the premier. A couple of $@*$ Trudeau flags should round out your ensemble nicely.
Michael Cain
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Must be the most misinformed Higgs supporter on here.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Sounds like someone is upset I rely on facts to make my decisions, try it out sometime.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Maybe I could borrow a couple of those posters from MC's bedroom. Let me know what he says.
Daniel Franklin
Higgs should call that election that he threatened his cabinet with. Did he get scared?
David Amos
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Why should he?
Michael Cain
Reply to Daniel Franklin
No, I think Higgs would best retire with the legacy of being the premier of the poorest province in Canada.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
Still clinging to old news, I guess when you are on the losing end so often it is all you have. Higgs fixed that and now we lead, not follow, pay attention.
Daniel Franklin
Reply to David Amos
Because he said he would. Why continue the trend of Conservative leaders making promises that they don't keep?
Ronald Miller
Reply to Daniel Franklin
No, be brought up the possibility, I suggest you go back and do a little reading. Last time he called an election many on here got upset, so the usuals get upset no matter which way he goes, typical.
David Amos
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Be careful of what you wish for
Stephanie Haslam
Would the public be surprised to know that there are lobbyist/communications firms that can prepare people for these legislative committees? Here is the wording from one such firm: “ Committee Preparation
We have prepared dozens of individuals for testimony and questioning before government and quasi-judicial bodies. These intense and unique encounters require poise, detailed knowledge and excellent bridging messages. We can prepare you to be confident, convincing and successful.”
William Peters
Reply to Stephanie Haslam
It's always about convincing and selling. What snake oil salesman was ever not adept at it?
David Amos
Reply to William Peters
Its not rocket science
Reply to Stephanie Haslam
It's always about convincing and selling. What snake oil salesman was ever not adept at it?
David Amos
Reply to William Peters
Its not rocket science
Stephanie Haslam
Reply to Stephanie Haslam
It puts one in mind of George Costanza , of Seinfeld fame, who said, “Jerry, just remember— it’s not a lie if YOU believe it.”
Terry Bull
very experienced staff people, very senior staff people
Let's see their performance reviews. Experienced and Senior do not necessarily mean Quality.
David Amos
Reply to Terry Bull
Bingo
Don Corey
Reply to Terry Bull
Especially in government.
Eddy Jay
Who's auditing the auditor?
Eddy Jay
Who's auditing the auditor?
David Amos
Reply to Eddy Jay
I do kinda sorta
Alison Jackson
Content Deactivated
"Conservatives are not very transparent. We have zipped mouths on the neurological issues/ glyphosate..."
Eddy Jay
Reply to Alison Jackson
Hardly a conservative phenomena.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Alison Jackson
All true, but have the individuals that have left made any comments on why?
Rhys Philbin
Reply to JOhn D Bond
You already know the answer to that.
David Amos
Reply to Rhys Philbin
Yup
Jim Lake
Hhmmm … now there are multiple reports about the Higgs government and its (potentially) poor performance that are, once again, being delayed from release. Something fishy is going on in Fredericton. Given all the news reports over the past few years about our government’s lack of transparency and taking accountability, it’s hard not to think that the premier is intentionally avoiding releasing information to New Brunswickers and taking responsibility for his government.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Jim Lake
Can you share some of these transparency and accountability stories?
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
I do every day
Ben Haroldson
Why would anyone be scared of an audit?
David Amos
Reply to Ben Haroldson
Surely you jest
Wilson Rose
Nobody is going to trust the audit information coming from that office now. Perhaps, some people at that office were not willing to incriminate themselves or have their names associated with fraudulent information?
Margaret Flowers
Reply to Wilson Rose
Bingo.
David Webb
Reply to Wilson Rose
Or, maybe people decided to retire with their golden PS pension and lovely parting gifts? Who pays attention to someone who will never see the Premiers chair. Let him ask his questions, then we can see what if any information comes from it.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Wilson Rose
Perhaps actually having some form of comment from those that left as to why would be a good starting point. There are more than enough challenges to be dealt with. Do we need to create one, where it may not be an issue at all. People change jobs, retire and or get better offers all the time.
Fred Brewer
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Sure, but whenever there is a mass-exodus of employees from a leader, and the leader refuses to comment, it starts to smell fishy. We are talking about one third of the entire staff leaving all within one year.
David Amos
Reply to Margaret Flowers
Ditto
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Fred Brewer
I do understand. Perhaps it is just my personal dislike of conclusions based on optics. Much prefer facts
Fred Brewer
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Agreed, but I find that facts are hard to get from this government. Reporters have to dig for the facts with Right to Information Requests but the results are usually heavily redacted.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Fred Brewer
Agreed it is a challenge, thankfully every day that goes by is a day closer to the next election.
Reply to Alison Jackson
Hardly a conservative phenomena.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Alison Jackson
All true, but have the individuals that have left made any comments on why?
Rhys Philbin
Reply to JOhn D Bond
You already know the answer to that.
David Amos
Reply to Rhys Philbin
Yup
Jim Lake
Hhmmm … now there are multiple reports about the Higgs government and its (potentially) poor performance that are, once again, being delayed from release. Something fishy is going on in Fredericton. Given all the news reports over the past few years about our government’s lack of transparency and taking accountability, it’s hard not to think that the premier is intentionally avoiding releasing information to New Brunswickers and taking responsibility for his government.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Jim Lake
Can you share some of these transparency and accountability stories?
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
I do every day
Ben Haroldson
Why would anyone be scared of an audit?
David Amos
Reply to Ben Haroldson
Surely you jest
Wilson Rose
Nobody is going to trust the audit information coming from that office now. Perhaps, some people at that office were not willing to incriminate themselves or have their names associated with fraudulent information?
Margaret Flowers
Reply to Wilson Rose
Bingo.
David Webb
Reply to Wilson Rose
Or, maybe people decided to retire with their golden PS pension and lovely parting gifts? Who pays attention to someone who will never see the Premiers chair. Let him ask his questions, then we can see what if any information comes from it.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Wilson Rose
Perhaps actually having some form of comment from those that left as to why would be a good starting point. There are more than enough challenges to be dealt with. Do we need to create one, where it may not be an issue at all. People change jobs, retire and or get better offers all the time.
Fred Brewer
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Sure, but whenever there is a mass-exodus of employees from a leader, and the leader refuses to comment, it starts to smell fishy. We are talking about one third of the entire staff leaving all within one year.
David Amos
Reply to Margaret Flowers
Ditto
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Fred Brewer
I do understand. Perhaps it is just my personal dislike of conclusions based on optics. Much prefer facts
Fred Brewer
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Agreed, but I find that facts are hard to get from this government. Reporters have to dig for the facts with Right to Information Requests but the results are usually heavily redacted.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Fred Brewer
Agreed it is a challenge, thankfully every day that goes by is a day closer to the next election.
Re: Matter 529 - NB Power Rate Design and Bill 32 Does anyone think this Bill will pass before June 7th?
David Amos<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 2:15 PM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To: paul.martin@gnb.ca, janice.leahy@gnb.ca, julie.weeks2@gnb.ca, julian.williams@gnb.ca, kevin.gould@gnb.ca, bill.ivey@gnb.ca, ben.jacobs@gnb.ca, peter.macleod@gnb.ca, dan.mccullough@gnb.ca, Chris.Mitchell@gnb.ca, christian.obrien@gnb.ca, jacob.pappoe@gnb.ca | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "robert.mckee" <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, "Rene.Legacy" <Rene.Legacy@gnb.ca>, "keith.chiasson" <keith.chiasson@gnb.ca>, "David.Coon" <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)" <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)" <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca> | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the 30 minute mark Seguin asked Holland an important question with regards to my concerns https://www.youtube.com/watch? NB - The Panel with Terry Seguin - NB Power - November 9, 2022 | Rogers tv
Rogers tv
152K subscribers378 views 6 months ago Terry welcomes Minister Mike Holland, Keith Chiasson and David Coon to talk about NB Power. 3 Comments David Amos Enter the Clowns ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Re: Bill 32 etc Hey Higgy why is it that nothing you and CBC say or do surprises me?
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NBEUB/CESPNB<General@nbeub.ca> | Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 2:06 PM |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
Thank you for your email to the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board. This email confirms receipt of the comments you forwarded to the Board. If you wish to talk to a Board representative, please let us know. *** La Commission de l’énergie et des services publics du Nouveau-Brunswick vous remercie pour votre courriel. Nous accusons réception des commentaires que vous avez transmis à la Commission. Si vous souhaitez parler à un(e) représentant(e) de la Commission, veuillez nous en informer. New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board Commission de l’énergie et des services publics du Nouveau-Brunswick general@nbeub.ca / general@cespnb.ca Telephone : (506) 658-2504 Fax/Télécopieur : (506) 643-7300 Confidentiality Notice This private message (and any attachments) is for the exclusive use of the individual for whom, or entity for which, it is intended. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure by law. Its author does not waive the protection afforded to it under applicable law. Disclosure to anyone other than the intended recipient does not constitute waiver of privilege. Its possession or usage, by any person other than the one for whom it is intended, is not authorized by its author and is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately, at our expense, by telephone at (506) 658-2504. Also, if you received this email in error, delete it and any attachments from your computer system and records. Thank you. Avis de confidentialité Ce message privé (et toutes les pièces jointes) est à l'usage exclusif de la personne pour laquelle ou entité pour laquelle, il est destiné. Il peut contenir des informations qui sont personnelles, confidentielles ou exemptées de la divulgation par la loi. Son auteur ne renonce pas à la protection accordée en vertu de la loi applicable. Sa divulgation à toute personne autre que son destinataire ne constitue pas une renonciation de privilège. Sa possession ou l'utilisation, par une personne autre que celle pour laquelle il est destiné, n'est pas autorisée par son auteur et est strictement interdite. Si vous recevez cette communication par erreur, veuillez nous appeler dans les plus brefs délais, à frais virés, au (506) 658-2504. Aussi, si vous avez reçu ce courriel par erreur, veuillez effacer ce courriel, ainsi que les pièces jointes, de votre système informatique et de vos dossiers. Merci. -----Original Message----- From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 1:03 PM To: Chiasson, Alain (OAG/CPG) <Alain.Chiasson2@gnb.ca>; blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>; Holland, Mike (LEG) <mike.holland@gnb.ca>; Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>; mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>; Tom.MacFarlane <Tom.MacFarlane@gnb.ca>; Kim.Embleton <Kim.Embleton@gnb.ca>; rburgoyne@coxandpalmer.com Cc: frederic.gionet@cfib.ca; Ron.marcolin@cme-mec.ca; Sollows, David (DNRED/MRNDE) <David.Sollows@gnb.ca>; hanrahan.dion@jdirving.com; Nancy G Rubin <nrubin@stewartmckelvey.com>; Conor R. O'Neil <coneil@stewartmckelvey.com>; Leona Clements <lmclements@stewartmckelvey. Bcc: Jolyne.roy@gnb.ca Subject: Re: Matter 529 - NB Power Rate Design and Bill 32 Does anyone think this Bill will pass before June 7th? If the majority of MLAs vote to make the bill a law during Third Reading, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. This procedure is called Royal Assent because the Lieutenant Governor is agreeing to the bill on behalf of The King. This last step officially makes the bill a law. On 5/5/23, David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. > https://legnb.ca/content/ > > Energy and Utilities Board Act > 3( 1) Section 1 of the Energy and Utilities Board Act, chapter E-9.18 > of the Acts of New Brunswick, 2006, is amended > (a) by repealing the definition “nominating committee” and > substituting the following: > “nominating committee” means a committee composed of the Deputy > Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development, the Deputy > Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Deputy Minister of > Finance and Treasury Board, or any person designated by any of those > Deputy Ministers to act as their representative, and the Chairperson > and Vice-Chairperson. (comité de candidatures) > > > Costs > 47.1( 1) For the purposes of this section, “intervener” means the > person, other than the Public Intervener, authorized by the Board in > accordance with its own procedure to participate as a party to the > proceeding, including an investigation or review. > 47.1( 2) The Board may, in any proceeding before it, order, subject to > subsection (3), the costs of and incidental to any proceeding be paid > in the amounts or proportions by or to a party to the proceeding. > 47.1( 3) The Board shall not make an order under subsection (2) > (a) when the proceeding results from financial and consumer services > legislation, and > (b) with respect to the Public Intervener referred to in section 49. > 47.1( 4) The Board shall adopt procedures with respect to costs to be > paid to an intervener under subsection (2). > > On 5/4/23, David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. >> I called with some questions and you claimed that you did not have to >> speak to me Correct? >> >> On 4/24/23, Chiasson, Alain (OAG/CPG) <Alain.Chiasson2@gnb.ca> wrote: >>> Hello, >>> >>> Please find enclosed for filing a copy of the report of Robert >>> Knecht which will serve as evidence submitted by the Public >>> Intervener. Let me know if you have any questions. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> Alain Chiasson, Public Intervener >>> >> > | |
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