The leaders of both the NDP and PCs are responding following reports that the Liberal government used grant money to get tickets for a figure skating show starring Kaetlyn Osmond in Marystown, last April.

NDP leader Alison Coffin says she is very concerned about it, and the alleged $800 spent on tickets could have been far better spent elsewhere.

She says it was a poor use of money, and lots of young families would’ve enjoyed bringing their families. Instead, she accuses the Liberals of choosing to use the tickets for themselves and their friends.

PC Leader Ches Crosbie says it’s definitely not in order. He says there is an element of conflict of interest and of government getting a private benefit using public money.

Crosbie says its impermissible and intolerable. He says in an election period with a government with a track record of favouring their friends, they don’t get the benefit of the doubt. They need to show the proof and documentation.

Crosbie says if they cannot produce that proof, then MHA Mark Browne and a number of Liberals are in a violation of the Code of Conduct.

MHA Mark Browne Issues Statement

Meanwhile, in a statement provided to VOCM News, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue, Mark Browne says he has done nothing wrong.

Browne says Premier Dwight Ball gave him clear direction last spring to purchase tickets for the event, and the tickets used by Browne and his guests were in fact purchased, and no free tickets were used.

He says planning for Osmond’s trip home to Marystown began in January 2018 that involved the Town of Marystown, the Ice Crystal Figure Skating Club, Skate NL and Osmond’s representative.

Browne says upon receiving a request from the Town of Marystown, the Provincial Government provided a grant of $6,500 to support the events in Marystown.

He says a similar one was issued by a PC Government in 2014 to support Osmond’s homecoming celebration following her Olympic silver medal win.

Click here to view documentation surrounding the event provided to VOCM News.