Legislature not misled by premier over HST hike, rules Speaker

The Speaker of the P.E.I. Legislature, Buck Watts, has ruled the premier didn't mislead the legislature about his intention to raise the HST.

In the legislature earlier this month, the Opposition had accused Wade MacLauchlan of going back on what it said was a promise the premier made during the 2015 provincial election not to increase taxes.Specifically, it pointed to a questionnaire sent to party leaders where MacLauchlan responded that the Liberals had no plans to raise taxes, fees or levies.

During debateMacLauchlan responded that his party never promised not to raise taxes. The Opposition called that misleading the house.

Tuesday, the Speaker said he didn't see any evidence of a deliberate attempt to mislead the legislature.

"As noted, the premier provided a response to questions from an outside organization, the CFIB[Canadian Federation of Independent Business], at a time when this legislative assembly was dissolved," said Watts.

"Honourable Members, plans and policies change," he ruled. "There is clearly insufficient evidence for any Speaker to find a prima facie breach of privilege in this instance."

The decision is not subject to appeal.

• SEE ALSO|P.E.I. Opposition says premier reneged on HST promise