content deactivated – Never Believe Anything Until It Is Officially Denied
David Amos<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | Fri, Sep 8, 2023 at 9:46 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>, "andrea.anderson-mason" <andrea.anderson-mason@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> | |
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2023/09/auditor-general-wont-talk-about-dozen.html
Friday, 8 September 2023
Auditor general won't talk about a dozen departures from his office
Auditor general won't talk about a dozen departures from his office
Paul Martin says market for hiring auditors is ‘hot’ but won’t say if any staff were fired
Auditor
general Paul Martin and his new deputy, Diedre Green, at the
legislature Thursday. Martin says there's no connection between the huge
staff turnover at his office and the approach he took with his delayed
audit of the pandemic response. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)New Brunswick's auditor general is refusing to say how many of a dozen departures from his office since the start of 2023 were firings.
Paul Martin told reporters, however, that there's no connection between the huge staff turnover and the approach he took with his twice-delayed audit of the government's COVID-19 response.
"I can't speak to individual human resource matters. Any departures from our office had nothing to do with this report or any other report," Martin said during a news conference at the legislature.
Martin confirmed last month via a written statement that 12 people have left his office since the start of the year, and nine new people have been hired.
But he refused an interview request and was not available to answer questions until Thursday when he presented his latest report to the legislature's public accounts committee.
'Competitive' offers
Martin told reporters that some of the employees who left were lured away by competitive job offers from the private sector.
He said there's been an increase in job vacancies for financial auditors and accounts.
"We have some very strong, well-credentialed professionals with many opportunities, and the marketplace is hot right now," he said.
But he refused to say how many of the 12 left for that reason and whether any were fired.
Green
Party Leader David Coon asked the auditor general why he didn't ask for
more money to keep people from leaving the AG's office. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
"You've lost continuity, you've lost expertise," Coon said.
"Why wouldn't you have come to the legislature … to ask for an increase in your budget if your wages are not competitive with what the market is paying?"
Martin responded that he did point out the hot hiring market for auditors when he met over the last two years with the committee of MLAs that helps set his office budget.
"This shouldn't be a surprise," he told Coon. "I believe you were on that committee."
Former deputy auditor general Janice Leahy is among the 12 no longer with the department. (Pascal Raiche-Nogue/Radio-Canada)Martin, who took over as auditor general at the start of 2022, said his office has adopted a new strategic plan that includes "building a strong team to achieve our mission, our goals and objectives."
Those departures represent more than one-third of the 32 employees who now work for the auditor general, an independent officer of the legislature whose mandate is to review government spending and programs.
Former deputy auditor general Janice Leahy and two senior auditors were among the 12 who left. Leahy was replaced by Deidre Green.
Reading from prepared notes, Martin said his office offers "a safe and welcoming work environment" to a diverse group of employees, which has allowed him to fill the vacancies.
"I think we've attracted some top-notch people that have replaced them, and believe in our mission to hold government accountable, to come forward with reports that matter," he said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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."
So if we had honest politicians, would we need auditors
Reply to Les Cooper
Surely you jest we need honest auditors too
Reply to David Amos
Auditor general won't talk about a dozen departures from his office
Reply to David Amos
"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.
Reply to David Amos
Perhaps it's because of something she signed?
Reply to Don Corey
I am glad somebody noticed
Never Believe Anything Until It Is Officially Denied
David Amos<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | Sat, Sep 9, 2023 at 7:41 PM |
| To: Bruce.Macfarlane@gnb.ca, Cheryl.Hansen@gnb.ca, Paul.Greene@gnb.ca, Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca, eric.beaulieu@gnb.ca, Executivecounciloffice@gnb.ca, sei@gnb.ca, Heidi.Liston@gnb.ca, rboudreau@nbms.nb.ca | |
| Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, media-medias@gnb.ca, Bobbi-Jean.MacKinnon@cbc.ca, Tyler.Campbell@gnb.ca | |
https://davidraymondamos3. Friday, 8 September 2023 Auditor general won't talk about a dozen departures from his office | |
N.B. government disputes findings of audit, says 'COVID core' had no decision-making power
'Only cabinet made decisions,' says spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane
Auditor
General Paul Martin told the legislature's standing committee on public
accounts Thursday that 'a process was created whereby the Department of
Health would bring forward advice to COVID core who would then review,
challenge and provide strategic thought around the information.'
Department of Health advice would then proceed to the cabinet committee
on COVID-19 and on to cabinet, he said. (Jacques Poitras/CBC) The New Brunswick COVID core, presented in the auditor general's pandemic review as being third in the "COVID-19 decision-making hierarchy," after cabinet and the cabinet committee on COVID-19, had no decision-making power, according to the government.
"The [organizational] structure listed in the auditor general's report is not a structure of the hierarchy of decision making," Bruce Macfarlane, acting senior director of media relations for the executive council, said in an emailed statement Friday.
"Only cabinet made decisions."
Macfarlane did not comment directly on the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health being at the bottom of the list in auditor general's report. But he did say Dr. Jennifer Russell or her designate "provided advice to cabinet when public health proposals were made to government."
In a statement, Auditor General Paul Martin agreed cabinet made pandemic-related decisions, gave final approvals and records of those decision were drafted.
But he noted "decisions were made in various components about what information, advice, and recommendations would flow upward through various components of the pandemic response co-ordination organizational chart until it reached cabinet for final decision."
"Typically, everything that was submitted to cabinet related to the pandemic went through COVID core first," his audit of the government's pandemic response states.
On Thursday, when Martin presented his report to the legislature's standing committee on public accounts, he said he obtained the information from the Department of Health. The report lists the source of the "decision-making hierarchy" as being "adapted from the New Brunswick Provincial Pandemic Coordination Plan (unaudited)."
The COVID core was among the highlights of Martin's report because he found the group of seven senior government officials did not maintain any records — no minutes of meetings, no discussion notes and no agendas.
In addition, there were "no formal documents that define the purpose, expectations, and roles and responsibilities of COVID core," according to his report.
Several MLAs remarked that they didn't recall any such group, including Green Party Leader David Coon, who was a member of the COVID cabinet committee.
Created by clerk of executive council
CBC requested an interview with Russell through the Department of Health and an interview with Premier Blaine Higgs through his office. Instead, Macfarlane sent the emailed statement.
COVID core was created by the clerk of the executive council when the pandemic began, he said, providing a link to the provincial pandemic co-ordination plan, which was published at that time and includes one reference to the then-four-member group in an "organizational chart," in second place, under the premier and executive council.
It served the function of reviewing, challenging and providing strategic thought to ensure advice to the cabinet committee was coming from a whole-of-government and whole-of-society perspective.
- Bruce Macfarlane, government spokesperson
"It served the function of reviewing, challenging and providing strategic thought to ensure advice to the cabinet committee was coming from a whole-of-government and whole-of-society perspective.
"COVID was not a one-department issue and COVID core ensured there was co-ordination with issues that needed to be addressed across departments."
According to auditor general's report, members of the COVID core included:
-
Clerk of executive council (ECO).
-
Deputy minister of Justice and Public Safety.
-
Deputy minister of Health.
-
Deputy minister of corporate communications (ECO).
-
Deputy chief operating officer (ECO).
-
Provincial security adviser, Justice and Public Safety.
-
Assistant deputy minister of Public Health.
They "had a huddle" each morning while the mandatory order was in place, Macfarlane said.
"This is a normal function the Executive Council Office does working with deputy ministers daily after cabinet direction," he said.
It enabled departments to be better prepared to answer questions and for the government to prepare initial communications "as decisions were regularly swift and required immediate communication with the public."
Asked why the COVID core did not keep any records, he reiterated that it "did daily huddles. It was not a decision-making body."
Members briefed others on cabinet decisions
The membership increased as the pandemic progressed, said Macfarlane. "Additional members were required for areas of expertise and were invited by the clerk of the executive council."
The COVID core operated until the mandatory order ended in March 2022, said Macfarlane.
"With rare exceptions, members of the team attended every meeting and teleconference of the COVID cabinet committee and of cabinet, at which COVID was discussed, throughout the relevant period," he said.
"Individual
members also briefed legislative assembly caucuses, municipal
officials, the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell,
critical infrastructure owners/operators and law enforcement leaders
regularly, on the decisions taken by cabinet and the orders made by the
minister of Public Safety on the basis of those decisions."
René Boudreau named Chief Executive Officer of the New Brunswick Medical Society
05-15-2023
The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. René Boudreau as the Society’s new CEO.
Mr. Boudreau’s 20 years of combined experience at the executive level within the healthcare, postsecondary education, research and innovation, economic development and intergovernmental affairs sectors provide him with a strong foundation upon which to lead the New Brunswick Medical Society.
“René brings a wealth of experience from the provincial civil service to the NBMS, said Dr. Chris Goodyear, NBMS Board Chairman. “At a time when government will be making significant investments in health care, his understanding of system change and governance will help address the Society’s priorities of improving primary care access, developing and supporting collaborative care models, decreasing surgical wait lists and addressing physician retention and recruitment. We believe his strong leadership and knowledge of New Brunswick healthcare is the right combination to lead the NBMS to deliver change while ensuring quality care for our patients.”
Reporting to the Board of Directors, as the new CEO, Mr. Boudreau will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the NBMS and the general management of the Society while representing New Brunswick physicians and advocating for the health of patients to the government, provincial and national partner organizations, as well as the public. He will work with the Board to set strategic direction and lead the team to undertake activities that will accomplish our shared objectives. Working closely with the NBMS Board of physician leaders, he will seek to advance the performance of the health system through physician leadership and patient engagement.
“It is a great honor and opportunity to take on this leadership role with the New Brunswick Medical Society at such an important and pivotal time for our health system,” said Mr. Boudreau. “I strongly believe that the innovative solutions needed to overcome today’s challenges and improve the health outcomes of New Brunswickers will come from physicians, healthcare professionals and their patients. I look forward to working with our members and partner organizations to help bring these innovative ideas to life and transform our health system.”
Mr. Boudreau joins the organization on June 12th, 2023.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Campbell, Tyler (ECO/BCE)" <Tyler.Campbell@gnb.ca>
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2023 22:33:29 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Hey Higgy Whereas your buddy Tammy Scott-Wallace won't speak to me or the CBC perhaps Grégoire Cormier and I should talk EH?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
I am currently out of the office. Please contact Alycia.Bartlett@gnb.ca or Bruce.Macfarlane@gnb.ca.
For media inquiries please contact media-medias@gnb.ca.
***
Je suis actuellement absent du bureau. Veuillez contacter Alycia.Bartlett@gnb.ca ou Bruce.Macfarlane@gnb.ca.
***
Je suis actuellement absent du bureau. Veuillez contacter Alycia.Bartlett ou Bruce.Macfarlane@gnb.ca.
Pour les demandes des médias, veuillez contacter media-medias@gnb.ca.
N.B. failed to ensure nursing homes were prepared for a pandemic, audit finds
Systemic challenges, such as staff shortages, contributed to impact of COVID-19, audit says
Of the 358 New Brunswickers who died because of the pandemic as of April 2022, 90 were nursing home residents. (Corbis)Ninety nursing-home residents and one staff member died because of the pandemic, as of March 31, 2022.
The Department of Social Development did not have an up-to-date pandemic plan before COVID-19 or provide financial resources to nursing homes to support the development of pandemic plans, Martin told the legislature's standing committee on public accounts.
Departmental standards for infection prevention and control were also "below best practice," according to Martin.
Infection Prevention and Control Canada recommends a minimum of one full-time infection prevention and control professional for every 150 to 200 beds, depending on the severity of illness. The department hired two infection prevention and control specialists to guide nursing homes on minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
"According to the department, the specialists made efforts to work with each home in outbreak, but with the number of nursing homes experiencing outbreaks they were unable to visit every home in person," the report says.
"Departmental staff informed us the risk of contamination was high in nursing homes due to a lack of conformity with [infection prevention control] measures and poor PPE [personal protective equipment] competency among nursing home staff," such as some COVID units not utilizing PPE, not changing PPE between units, and improper donning and doffing procedures.
Auditor
General Paul Martin, pictured with his new deputy, Diedre Green, said a
review of inspection results for a sample of 30 nursing homes found
non-compliance with appropriate care staff ratios rose from 30 per cent
in 2018 to 87 per cent in 2022. Non-compliance with the requirement for a
full- time registered nurse at all times rose from 10 per cent to 40
per cent during the same period. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
As it stands, the department can either modify a nursing home's licence, revoke it, or place a home into trusteeship. The department has been "hesitant" about the first two because of the hardship they could cause for residents, according to the report.
As a result, "modified licences have been the primary enforcement mechanism and it has not proven to be an effective one."
Areas of non-compliance increased during the pandemic, said Martin. For example, 20 nursing homes reported staffing levels as "strained or critical," and 73 per cent of the homes did not meet nursing home design standards.
"Departmental staff informed us they believe a contributing factor to COVID-19 outbreaks was that older home layouts were not adequate to deal with airborne and communicable disease," the report says.
There is no formalized plan to bring nursing homes up to the design standards or convert double occupancy rooms into single rooms, as this would "have a significant financial impact [and] cause patient backlog in hospitals."
"Nursing home risks remain unaddressed," Martin concluded.
Staffing remains biggest challenge, says union
Sharon Teare, president of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions, said she's not surprised by the auditor general's criticisms.
The biggest issue was, and remains, staffing, she said.
"I think any of the improvement we've seen is, you know, the utilization of staffing agencies, which is a real Band-Aid fix to the situation.
"Folks aren't staying. I know in our sector that we need continuity of care as well as the consistency."
Teare is hopeful lessons will be learned. She contends that's owed to the seniors and the workers who take care of them.
Martin made a total of eight recommendations, including that the department work with nursing homes to address key inspection non-compliance areas, particularly staffing levels, and that timely access to infection prevention and control specialists be ensured.
Green Party Leader David Coon told reporters he thinks the government should use its budget surplus, now estimated at nearly $200 million, to improve the the salaries and working conditions of nursing home and special care home employees, and to upgrade homes to modern standards to "ensure the infrastructure itself is more effective at resisting the transmission of viruses."
Scope of report criticized
Coon said he's "quite upset" the auditor general looked at only roughly half the long-term care sector in his report. He questioned why Martin didn't also review the pandemic response at special care homes, which have about 6,000 residents, compared to about 5,000 in nursing homes.
He noted the first COVID outbreak at a long-term care home was at Manoir de la Vallée, a special care home in Atholville. The Manoir was also the site of the province's first COVID death — Daniel Ouellette, 84, and the first place where someone couldn't be with their loved one who was dying because of COVID restrictions.
Martin "really missed the opportunity to produce a report that in the end needs to be of a quality and of a comprehensiveness to enable us to ensure that we're better prepared for a variant that might come along that's COVID, that's going to be particularly problematic, or a new novel virus," Coon told reporters.
"And that's what concerns me because in the end this is all about being better prepared for what what we may face in the future, and this report doesn't do that for me."
Green
Party Leader David Coon said the pandemic is not over. There are
nursing homes in the province that have COVID-19 outbreaks are
reinstating mask mandates, he said. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Martin said his decision was based on available resources and on turning around a timely report.
Coon, who was a member of the COVID cabinet committee and took an oath of confidentiality, suggested the report would have looked "much different" if Martin had interviewed a number of key people, both inside and outside of government.
Tory MLA Dorothy Shephard, who served as social development minister as well as the minister of health during periods of the pandemic, said she was "really quite shocked" Martin didn't speak to elected officials — "or at least to those that I know."
Martin declined to say whom he interviewed, calling it confidential. But he said he had strong public engagement.
He will table another volume of his performance audit in December.
With files from Shift and Jacques Poitras
N.B.'s top doctor at bottom of COVID-19 decision-making hierarchy, auditor general finds
Group identified as 'COVID core' in 3rd spot, Paul Martin's audit of the province's pandemic response shows
He described the COVID core as "the group of senior officials who supported the cabinet committee on COVID-19."
Tory MLA Trevor Holder said he didn't recall any such group and questioned what its purpose was.
Martin said, "a process was created whereby the Department of Health would bring forward advice to COVID core who would then review, challenge and provide strategic thought around the information."
Department of Health advice would then proceed to the cabinet committee on COVID-19 and on to cabinet, he said. The minister of Justice and Public Safety would then issue mandatory orders under the Emergency Measures Act "informed by advice from the Department of Health."
Tory
MLA Trevor Holder stressed the importance of proper record-keeping to
avoid a situation where things that get acted upon don't actually
reflect the decision of cabinet and elected officials. (Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick)
Overall, the government reacted quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic with unprecedented measures aimed at saving lives, including the province's first state of emergency, he said.
But he criticized the government's level of preparedness. For example, New Brunswick did not have an updated pandemic plan, based on lessons learned from the H1N1 flu experience, he said.
He also found problems with the government's decision-making process, record keeping and communications.
"We found six instances out of 14 sampled restrictions in mandatory orders where public health measures were supported by verbal updates only," the report says.
One mandatory order from June 2020, that everyone who enters any building open to the general public must wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose, was revised the next day, "after decision-makers asserted that it did not reflect the intended decision."
Holder said this "pointed out a significant gap."
"That wasn't leaving out a comma or a colon somewhere. That was a pretty significant oversight that changes what cabinet actually decided. That's a pretty big breakdown."
'Face' of COVID response missing from report
Tory MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason questioned the lack of reference to "what one would arguably say was the face of COVID [response] for us," Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health.
"From my own recollection, she was very involved in the decision-making process and the advice that came from her department," Anderson-Mason said, adding she was surprised to see Russell's office at the bottom of the organizational chart.
Martin said the chief medical officer of health, assistant deputy minister of public health and deputy minister of health were among those with authority to attend cabinet committee on COVID-19. "So these people were in the room at these cabinet committee meetings," he said.
Tory MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason said she found the lack of information
about the 'elusive' COVID core 'quite concerning.' (Legislative Assembly
of New Brunswick)
Like Holder, Anderson-Mason zeroed in on the COVID core. "Even though I was a member of cabinet at the beginning of the pandemic, this is the first that I have ever heard of COVID core."
She consulted with a few of her colleagues, she said, and they're "in a very similar situation."
"And yet we have a whole chapter dedicated to this elusive cabinet core. How do you actually know that it exists?"
Martin said he got his information from the Department of Health.
Anderson-Mason said she found some of the information in his report "quite concerning," citing as examples the lack of terms of reference and lack of records, such as meeting minutes, agendas, discussion notes or actions.
She also found it "bizarre" that Martin's report describes the COVID core as a subcommittee of the security and emergency committee, yet it's listed above that committee in the organizational chart.
Martin acknowledged she has a "great question there for the executive council office when they come in."
5 recommendations
Overall, the structures and processes established by the province for the COVID-19 response "set a framework for effective oversight," but there are opportunities to improve oversight to be better prepared for a future pandemic, Martin said.
Among other steps, he recommended the province:
- Prepare and keep emergency response plans up to date for all hazards, including pandemics.
- Test and update plans on a regular basis according to a pre-defined schedule.
In addition, he said, the executive council office should ensure the roles, responsibilities and expectations of all executive committees involved in provincial emergency response are clearly defined and documented; records are maintained for all committee meetings during an emergency response; and that recommendations and decision support be documented for any similar future emergencies, "as emergency situations become more stable with the passage of time."
The executive council office, in collaboration with New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, should undertake a post-operation review and incorporate communication lessons learned into an updated New Brunswick Emergency Public Information Plan, said Martin.
The executive council office should also ensure the Department of Justice and Public Safety, in collaboration the Department of Health:
- Undertake an after action review to evaluate the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Incorporate lessons learned into an updated provincial pandemic emergency plan.
- Create and implement a schedule to regularly test and update the provincial pandemic emergency plan.
The government agreed with all five recommendations, according to the report.
The legislature unanimously requested the performance audit on March 31, 2022.
Another volume is expected in December.
Re: Auditor general faces scrutiny of his own after a dozen departures from his office
Mitton, Megan (LEG)<Megan.Mitton@gnb.ca> | Fri, Sep 8, 2023 at 8:44 AM |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
Thank
you for your email. I'm out
of the office for meetings and will have limited access to email. I
appreciate hearing from you and will respond to questions as soon as
possible. For
more immediate assistance, please call the Constituency office at: (506) 378-1565 or the Fredericton office: (506) 457-6842.
For media requests, please call (506) 429-2285.
---
Je
vous remercie pour votre courriel. Je suis absente du bureau pour des
réunions
et j'aurai peu accès à mon courriel. Je vous remercie de m'avoir
contacté et je répondrai aux questions dès que possible. Pour une
assistance immédiate,
veuillez appeler le bureau de circonscription au (506) 378-1565 ou le bureau de Fredericton au (506) 457-6842.
Pour les demandes d'entrevue, veuillez appeler le (506) 429-2285.
Megan Mitton (elle / she, her) Députée de Memramcook-Tantramar
| Responsable en matière de la santé, le logement, le changement climatique, et les droits humains. Le Nouveau-Brunswick est situé sur les territoires traditionnels, non cédés des Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik & Peskotomuhkati. / New Brunswick is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik & Peskotomuhkati. | |
David Amos<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | Fri, Sep 8, 2023 at 8:44 AM |
| 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>, "andrea.anderson-mason" <andrea.anderson-mason@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 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. Reply | Reply to all | Forward | Print | Delete | Show original Le français suit: Hi, I am currently out of the office. I will gladly reply to your message upon my return on Monday August 21 2023. Should you require immediate assistance, and for all media inquiries, please contact 453-2243. Thank you! Kevin ------------------------------ Bonjour Je suis présentement à l'extérieur du bureau. Il me fera plaisir de répondre à votre message à mon retrour le lundi 21 août 2023. Pour une aide immédiate, ou pour toutes demandes médiatique, veuillez communiquer au 453-2243. Merci! Kevin Kevin Gould, P. Eng Performance Auditor | Vérificateur de performance PO/CP 758, Fredericton NB E3B 5B4 506-453-6472| kevin.gould@gnb.ca David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. 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> https://davidraymondamos3. Thursday, 17 August 2023 Auditor general faces scrutiny of his own after a dozen departures from his office https://www.cbc.ca/news/ 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 Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Aug 17, 2023 6:00 AM ADT A man in a suit sitting at a desk and holding an open book Auditor General Paul Martin refused an interview request, and in an emailed statement would not explain why so many people left his office. (Jacques Poitras/CBC) New Brunswick's auditor general, the province's top fiscal watchdog, will come under scrutiny himself next month over the departure of a dozen staffers in his office. 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. A woman with brown hair standing in front of a large building with columns on its staircase. 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. A balding man with glasses is speaking inside the legislature. 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. A man folding his arms and smiling while sitting at a desk 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." New auditor general's past in Finance Department raises concern about potential for bias Auditor general's report on N.B.'s response to COVID-19 pandemic postponed 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. A man with grey hair and glasses wearing a suit and standing at a wooden podium. 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 Jacques Poitras Provincial Affairs reporter Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices 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 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 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? 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. 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. 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 subscribers 378 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? David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. 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>, jessica.mundie@cbc.ca Cc: "frederic.gionet@cfib.ca" <frederic.gionet@cfib.ca>, "Ron.marcolin@cme-mec.ca" <Ron.marcolin@cme-mec.ca>, "Sollows, David (DNRED/MRNDE)" <David.Sollows@gnb.ca>, "hanrahan.dion@jdirving.com" <hanrahan.dion@jdirving.com>, Nancy G Rubin <nrubin@stewartmckelvey.com>, "Conor R. O'Neil" <coneil@stewartmckelvey.com>, Leona Clements <lmclements@stewartmckelvey. <pbowman@bowmaneconomics.ca>, "Brianne E. Rudderham" <brudderham@stewartmckelvey. <JohnFurey@fureylegal.com>, "jpetrie@nbpower.com" <jpetrie@nbpower.com>, "NBPRegulatory@nbpower.com" <NBPRegulatory@nbpower.com>, "lgordon@nbpower.com" <lgordon@nbpower.com>, "SWaycott@nbpower.com" <SWaycott@nbpower.com>, "George.Porter@nbpower.com" <George.Porter@nbpower.com>, "kevgibson@nbpower.com" <kevgibson@nbpower.com>, Veronique Otis <Veronique.Otis@nbeub.ca>, "louis-philippe.gauthier@cfib. <louis-philippe.gauthier@cfib. <Dave.Young@nbeub.ca>, "Abigail J. Herrington" <Aherrington@lawsoncreamer.com <Kathleen.Mitchell@nbeub.ca>, NBEUB/CESPNB <General@nbeub.ca>, "Colwell, Susan" <Susan.Colwell@nbeub.ca>, "bhavumaki@synapse-energy.com" <bhavumaki@synapse-energy.com> "mwhited@synapse-energy.com" <mwhited@synapse-energy.com>, "prhodes@synapse-energy.com" <prhodes@synapse-energy.com>, "alawton@synapse-energy.com" <alawton@synapse-energy.com>, "jwilson@resourceinsight.com" <jwilson@resourceinsight.com>, "pchernick@resourceinsight.com Melissa Curran <Melissa.Curran@nbeub.ca>, "rdk@indecon.com" <rdk@indecon.com>, "tammy.grieve@mcinnescooper. <tammy.grieve@mcinnescooper. <paul.black@twinriverspaper. <Len.Hoyt@mcinnescooper.com>, "tyler.rajeski@ <tyler.rajeski@ <dan.murphy@umnb.ca>, "darcy.ouellette@ <darcy.ouellette@ <jeff.garrett@sjenergy.com>, "shelley.wood@sjenergy.com" <shelley.wood@sjenergy.com>, "dan.dionne@perth-andover.com" <dan.dionne@perth-andover.com> <pierreroy@edmundston.ca>, "ryan.mitchell@sjenergy.com" <ryan.mitchell@sjenergy.com>, "sstoll@stollprofcorp.com" <sstoll@stollprofcorp.com>, "pzarnett@bdrenergy.com" <pzarnett@bdrenergy.com>, "ceo@fermenbfarm.ca" <ceo@fermenbfarm.ca> Bcc: Jolyne.roy@gnb.ca https://www.legnb.ca/en/ 60th Legislature - 2nd Session Bill No. 32An Act Respecting Transferring Powers to the Energy and Utilities Board Bill Type Government Bill Status Royal Assent Sponsored by Hon. Mike HOLLAND Hon. Mike HOLLAND Progressive Conservative Party Albert Documents First Reading (Tabled, PDF) First Reading (Tabled, HTML) Progression Timeline First Reading March 22, 2023 Introduced Second Reading May 17, 2023 Debated Passed Standing Committee on Economic Policy June 14, 2023 Debated Passed Third Reading June 16, 2023 Debated Passed Royal Assent June 16, 2023 Passed https://www.cbc.ca/news/ N.B. premier stands by changes to school LGBTQ policy, says he does not want an election 'I don't want to go to an election and that isn't my intent to do that,' said Premier Higgs Jessica Mundie · CBC News · Posted: Jun 18, 2023 5:39 PM ADT New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs speaks in Fredericton, N.B. on Thursday, February 9, 2023. In an interview on Rosemary Barton Live, Higgs said he is trying to "find a path forward" in regards to managing the changes his government has made to Policy 713. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs speaks in Fredericton, N.B., on Feb. 9. In an interview on Rosemary Barton Live, Higgs said he is trying to 'find a path forward' in regards to managing the changes his government has made to Policy 713. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stephen MacGillivray) New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs is maintaining his support of the changes his government has made to Policy 713, which was designed to protect LGBTQ students, despite rising tensions in the legislature. In an interview on Rosemary Barton Live, Higgs said he is trying to "find a path forward" in regards to managing the changes, but backpedalled on a statement he made on June 8, when he said he was willing to call an election on this issue. "I don't want to go to an election and that isn't my intent to do that," he said. The growing controversy in the New Brunswick legislature has stemmed from the government's review of and changes to Policy 713, which established minimum standards for schools to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students. Higgs threatens election to quell rebellion over Policy 713 Minister broke promise to not roll back LGBTQ rights, advocates say Among the changes sparking debate is that students under 16 now need to get their parents' permission to have teachers and staff use their chosen names and pronouns. Higgs defended the change, saying information about a child should not be hidden from their parents. "We're trying to find a path forward to protect the children and to involve the parents when the time is right and have the right people engaged in that process," he said. WATCH | N.B. premier defends changes to LGBTQ school policy: N.B. premier defends changes to LGBTQ+ school policy 21 hours ago Duration 10:08 Rosemary Barton Live speaks with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs about controversial changes to Policy 713, an education policy meant to protect transgender students, and his comments about gender identity. Plus, a conversation with a N.B. transgender high school student about how the changes will affect LGBTQ+ youth. The threat of an election on this issue was brought up by Higgs after he faced a rebellion from several of his top cabinet ministers in response to the policy review. Six ministers and two backbench MLAs refused to attend the June 8 morning sitting of the legislature "as a way to express our extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency," they said in a statement. Approach to review drives minister resignation Since then, one of the six ministers has resigned from Higgs' cabinet. On Thursday, after hearing Higgs speak in the legislature about his conviction that gender dysphoria has become "trendy," and how he believes increased acceptance of it is hurting kids and excluding parents, former cabinet minister Dorothy Shephard got up and left the chamber. In an interview on Power & Politics, Shephard said her departure was a "long time coming" and that she has had concerns about the government's approach to certain topics, like Policy 713. WATCH | N.B. minister resigns over controversial changes to LGBTQ policy: N.B minister resigns over controversial changes to LGBTQ policy in schools 3 days ago Duration 8:44 As New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs spoke in the legislature Thursday about his conviction that gender dysphoria has become 'trendy' and increased acceptance of it is hurting kids and excluding parents, cabinet minister Dorothy Shephard got up and left the chamber. She later resigned from her position as social development minister. "I just decided that it was time," she said. "I didn't feel I could accomplish anything more in this cabinet with this premier." Shephard is critical of Higgs' leadership style, saying it is "difficult" and that he does not "form relationships easily." Shephard is the third minister to resign from cabinet, the other two being former education minister Dominic Cardy, who resigned in October 2022 and now sits as an independent, and former deputy premier Robert Gauvin, who resigned in February 2020 and now sits as a Liberal. PC caucus rejected review of gender-identity policy once before, former minister says Former minister says N.B. premier's response to her resignation 'says it all' In response to Shephard's criticism, Higgs said that he recognizes that decisions made in the legislature will not all be unanimous, but the majority of caucus agreed they needed to "find a path forward" on Policy 713. "If our process is that every time there is a tough issue and we don't agree with where the majority of caucus had gone to, walking away is not the solution," he said. Trans teen concerned about policy change Alex Harris, a transgender high school student in New Brunswick, said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live that he is most concerned about the change made to the self-identification clause in the policy. Harris, who is now over the age of 16, came out before the policy change. At the time, his teachers were able to use his preferred name and pronouns at school and then use his old information when talking to his parents. "It actually made it easier for me to come out to my parents because I knew I had a safe space at school even if that didn't go well," he said. People holding up pride flag in foreground, legistlative assembly in background. Opponents of the review of Policy 713 demostrate outside the New Brunswick legislature. (Radio-Canada) When Harris did come out to his parents he said it went well, but he said he knows people who may not have the same experience. He said he has "tons" of friends who came out at school before the changes to Policy 713 and now have to ask their parents for permission to have their teachers use their chosen name or pronouns. "That is terrifying to them because their parents would not be safe to come out to," said Harris. Part of the change to the self-identification clause in the policy is that if students are fearful or object to informing their parents of their change in preferred name and pronouns, they can work with guidance counsellors or school social workers and psychologists to get to a place where they feel comfortable telling them. Policy 713 and kids: Fact checking 4 statements made by the premier Law unclear on question of parental rights under Policy 713, says law professor Harris said this development is "troubling." "For most people who are concerned about this policy, it's not that they need to get to a place where they can talk to their parents, it's that their parents aren't at a place where they will be accepting of them being trans," he said. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jessica Mundie CBC Journalist Jessica Mundie is a journalist with CBC News in Ottawa. She was previously the Michelle Lang Fellow at the National Post. Reach her by email jessica.mundie@cbc.ca and on Twitter @jessicamundiee. With files from Jacques Poitras and Hadeel Ibrahim CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices MacFarlane, Tom (DNRED/MRNDE) <Tom.MacFarlane@gnb.ca> Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 1:02 PM To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. Please note that I will be out of the office from June 5-9, 2023, inclusively. During my absence, Kim Embleton will act on my behalf and will have full signing authority. Kim can be reached by phone at 506-453-2366 or by email at Kim.Embleton@gnb.ca. ****************** Veuillez prendre note que je serai absent du bureau du 5 au 9 juin 2023 inclusivement. Durant mon absence, Kim Embleton agira en mon nom et aura le plein pouvoir de signature. Kim peut être jointe par téléphone au 506-453-2366 ou par courriel à Kim.Embleton@gnb.ca. Nancy G Rubin <nrubin@stewartmckelvey.com> Fri, May 5, 2023 at 11:54 AM To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. Thank you for your email. I'm in St. John's for meetings, returning on Monday, May 8th. I'll check periodically for emails but a response will likely be delayed. For urgent matters, please contact my assistant, Leona Clements at 902.420.3200 ext 237 or lmclements@stewartmckelvey.com and she will redirect you. regards, Nancy Nancy ****************************** This e-mail message (including attachments, if any) is confidential and may be privileged. Any unauthorized distribution or disclosure is prohibited. Disclosure to anyone other than the intended recipient does not constitute waiver of privilege. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us and delete it and any attachments from your computer system and records. ------------------------------ Ce courriel (y compris les pièces jointes) est confidentiel et peut être privilégié. La distribution ou la divulgation non autorisée de ce courriel est interdite. Sa divulgation à toute personne autre que son destinataire ne constitue pas une renonciation de privilège. Si vous avez reçu ce courriel par erreur, veuillez nous aviser et éliminer ce courriel, ainsi que les pièces jointes, de votre système informatique et de vos dossiers. NBEUB/CESPNB <General@nbeub.ca> Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 2:06 PM To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail. 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. | |
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