NAPE says recent comments made in the House of Assembly last week are striking fear among provincial government workers.

Accusing the former Liberal Government of hiding political appointees in the general public service, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten indicated that government hasn’t “found them all yet.” He went further, saying that government will “take corrective action” once they’re found.

NAPE President Jerry Earle says those words still resonate among workers even if they aren’t the ones government is targeting.

“We represent a broad spectrum of public sector employees. Many don’t understand what being hired by a political party is…they know they were hired under a Liberal government…so, it sparks sometimes fear.”

He says it’s ironic for Minister Petten to be so concerned about political appointees.

“When as they say that, they’re doing the same thing.” He cites the appointment of former PC cabinet minister Ross Wiseman and hiring Dr. Des. Whalen as an advisor to the Premier’s Office while being paid under MCP.