The P.E.I. Liberal Party has accused the Progressive Conservative government of violating Island advertising regulations through a video promoting the Island Essentials Benefit. Premier Rob Lantz and Finance and Affordability Minister Jill Burridge feature in the video explaining the benefit’s mechanics and distribution process. Opposition Leader Hal Perry criticized the government for breaching the Government Advertising Standards Act and demanded the removal of the ad, labeling the government’s actions as partisan misuse of taxpayer funds.
Perry proposed amendments during the upcoming legislative session to mandate that any ruling party found in violation of advertising laws must reimburse the full cost of the advertisement. The Act prohibits the use of Executive Council or Legislative Assembly members’ names, voices, or images in government advertising, a rule allegedly disregarded by the appearance of Lantz and Burridge in the video. The Liberals lodged a complaint with the province’s auditor general regarding the matter.
Although the premier’s office claimed that no public funds were spent on the video’s promotion, they did not disclose who financed the ad’s creation. Auditor General Darren Noonan commented that, based on the ad’s content, it can be assumed that it was funded by the Province of P.E.I. Perry emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the amendment ensuring reimbursement for breaching parties would deter the misuse of taxpayer money for political purposes.
Despite the absence of penalties in the current legislation, Perry reiterated the Liberals’ commitment to introducing amendments that hold accountable any government found violating advertising laws. He expressed disappointment in the government’s actions, emphasizing the importance of responsible financial stewardship, especially in times of economic hardship for Islanders.