The Opposition is calling out government for more patronage hirings. This time with former Liberal MHA Neil King, who was hired to a 13-week maternity leave position under the Department of Transportation and Works.

PC Barry Petten and Transportation and Works Minister Steve Crocker traded barbs over the issue in Question Period on Wednesday.

On the Request for Staffing Action form, under Action Type, it says “recruit from previous competition,” meaning there were others ready to take the position. Instead, it was scratched out and replaced with “Hire – 13-Week Temporary Employment” written by hand.

Crocker claims it’s been a typical practice within many governments for many years to hire 13-week positions and it’s within the rights of collective bargaining.

Petten fired back, accusing the Liberal government of making it a practice to look after their Liberal friends. He claims that someone who was qualified was left out of the process, and that’s the issue. Petten questioned Crocker if they would continue using taxpayer funds to “fatten the wallets” of their friends.

Crocker says it’s a 13-week position as a buyer in a depot, which is allowed under the collective bargaining agreement with NAPE. Crocker states they’ve done the same thing before for members on the other side. He says he will continue to reach out to fill positions and help members on both sides of the House.