Harper to blame for the economy: Ghiz

The public service on Prince Edward Island is going through turbulent times and a lot of the blame can be laid at the feet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

That was the message P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz delivered to about 100 delegates and guests attending the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ (CUPE) annual convention Thursday morning at the Rodd Royalty Inn in Charlottetown.

The public sector is experiencing federal and provincial job cuts while facing uncertainty over pension funds and the harmonized sales tax (HST) coming in April 2013.

Ghiz told the crowd the difference between him and Harper is the P.E.I. premier is hoping to be in a position in the coming years to reinstate those lost provincial jobs.

Ghiz on the hot seat over first class flight to India

Premier Robert Ghiz fielded questions today in the legislature about his first class flight from India last March that cost taxpayers over $4,000.

The Opposition raised concern over the expensive flight last week when they questioned Ghiz’s airfare expenses for the trip and pointed out they were more than double the amount incurred by Innovation Minister Allen Roach, who was one of several officials on the same trip.

The premier was out of the province last week and could not answer to the Opposition’s criticisms of his expenses.

Today in the legislature, Ghiz acknowledged he flew first class on the flight. But he stressed his ticket was the last one available for the flight and he needed to get back to Canada in time to prepare for meetings with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.