Legislative Assembly

Hon. Alex. B. Campbell: Oh dear! Forgot to say that!

Hon. M. Lorne Bonnell: And the Third District of Prince, along with the Town of Summerside, where there is much employment. There are very few industries in the First District of Prince and as a result a lot of unemployment and the population is about three times as great as in the Third District of Prince. So as a result there were not quite as many applications from that area, but I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that every application that is received from that area is treated fairly and justly the same as if he came from any other area in the Province. (Applause)

Now. Mr. Speaker. I would like to remind you, and through you the Members of the Legislature, and the people of Prince Edward Island of the serious financial

pgsitqigg that we as a government found ourselves in when we took office in July 0 . .

Hon. Robert E. Campbell: Terrible!

Hon. M. Lorne Bonnell: In the Public Accounts which were tabled the other day for the year March 31, 1967, we find that the net debt of the Province is $61,445,000 and a gross debt of $85,000,000 and this does not take into consideration the indirect debt such as the loan. the guarantees of loans and other types of indirect debt to which our Province was responsible.

When we compare this figure with the statement when the Conservative Gov- ernment took power in March 31, 1960, the total debt of the Province at that time was 5532275000 or a difference of $29,170,000 of net debt in seven years. And if you divide that by the seven years you will find $4,000,000 of debt —— not counting the indirect of another $15,000,000 that the former administration sunk this province during that seven years.

Hon. Robert E. Campbell Isn’t that terrible.

Hon. M. Lorne Bonnell: This is without a doubt the worst catastrophe that hit the Province since we got responsible government. (Applause) Because of this serious deficit financing during the last seven years of Conservative rule, we, as a Prov- ince, must take appropriate steps to practice a balanced economy and get our fin- ancial house in order if we are able to give the people of this Province responsible government again.

I venture to say that if the Conservative Party had been elected in July, 1966, there would not be confronted in this Province by a Commission Government. (Ap- plause)

They apparently spent and wasted money like drunken sailors who had not been in port for twenty-two years. (Laughter) They not only spent and wasted money but had neglected to stop long enough to make proper and just claims from the Federal Government for money which could have been received from them.

(Applause)

One example, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Tourist Development in the former government. . . .

Some Members: Who is he? Hon. M. Lorne Bonnell: He is the gentleman that thought I wore two hats. Hon. Robert. E. Campbell: Oh yes, that is the fellow that has just run out.

Hon. M. Lorne Bonnell: He just ran out. The former Minister neglected to even make an effort to make any claim from Ottawa for the monies that were spent in the construction, repairs, and maintenance of any of our Provincial Parks. 'In fact, he never even took enough time to realize that the Parks Act of thls Provmce was not even in effect and never proclaimed. He, as Minister, was never deSIgnated as

the Minister responsible for these parks.

Hon. Robert E. Campbell: Poor business.

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