Crane Removal Cost Recovery - Question Period
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.
After Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the province, many people lost food and had damage to their homes and businesses. For three weeks, a private company, the WM Fares Group, left a large crane - now a tourist attraction - collapsed onto a building under construction, endangering public safety, closing local businesses, and forcing people out of their homes.
Due to this inaction, last week the government took over management and financing of the removal of that crane, which is still lying crumpled on South Park Street. Nova Scotians have questions about the financial impact of the government stepping in to help one large private company.
Can the minister assure Nova Scotians of exactly how she plans to recover the uncertain costs related to this government decision?
HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Thank you to the member for the question. I think it's important for all Nova Scotians to understand - and I believe all Nova Scotians, especially those impacted, appreciate the fact that the decision this government made was to first of all provide protection for people and property. As a result of that, the area has been out of bounds. It has been declared an emergency area.
That's the first step. That's what people want. They want to know that their people and their property will be protected, and we took the first step to do that.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question was how the government would recover the cost of that action. Especially since, given the uncertainty, another concern that Nova Scotians have is about the perceived conflict of interest in this particular decision.
Directors of the WM Fares Group are major donors to the Liberal Party, contributing more than $10,000 over the six years this government has been in office. I will table those records.
Mr. Speaker, did the minister or her government consult with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner before making the decision to assume all liability for the crane belonging to the WM Fares Group?
THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She would know that the crane does not belong to the WM Fares Group. The crane is an independent firm. The crane did not collapse on a WM Fares facility. It collapsed on an adjacent building.
The reality of it is, this is about public safety, and to impugn the reputation of someone who has contributed to many political Parties in this province for political gain - it's pretty early in this session to take that step.
The reality is that this is about ensuring that Nova Scotians will have a safe community to live in. We will move or remove that crane, and we will take every step to recoup the loss to the people of Nova Scotia.
THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou West.