The reported refusal by Premier Dennis Fentie to allow the auditor general of Canada to present a report and answer questions from MLAs at the current sitting of the Yukon legislature is regrettable. It displays an arrogant and extreme dictatorial disregard for the very same fundamental rights and freedoms that members of our armed forces are serving and giving their lives to protect.
As auditor general of Canada, Sheila Fraser functions on behalf of Canada and all Canadians.
From time to time she is required to conduct independent audits of Yukon government operations. She regularly submits her reports directly to the federal House of Commons, providing members of Parliament with unbiased information to help them examine the activities of the Yukon government and to hold it accountable.
Her recent request to present a report respecting activities of the Department of Health and Social Services to the present sitting of the legislative assembly is both reasonable and in keeping with parliamentary tradition.
Regrettably, Fentie’s astounding refusal represents an unacceptable display of arrogance and total misuse of executive authority.
He is, in essence, telling Yukoners and all Canadians that she is no longer entitled or welcome to address sessions of our legislative assembly. I am sure you would agree that this is contrary to the accepted rights and privileges of what we believe to be a democratic society.
This also raises the more obvious question: Just what are Fentie and his cabinet colleagues hiding?
He serves as an elected individual sworn to serve the public interest. Therefore, all citizens and taxpayers are entitled to know precisely what he doesn’t want the public to learn about the operation of Health and Social Services.
There is strength in unity, so it’s time for the Yukon public to cast aside apathy and raise their voices in protest.
Failure to do so will only indicate ongoing approval of such unacceptable and dictatorial behaviour.
Donald E. Taylor
Watson Lake