Liberals Raise Concerns Over Major Gaps in Government’s Cabinet Mandate Letter

At a time when the province’s debt continues to grow to historic levels, parents are raising concerns about school safety, and our world-renowned oyster industry remains under threat, Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell says that the cabinet-wide mandate letter released yesterday displays a concerning lack of leadership and is missing priorities.

“For years, Islanders have expected the Premier to do the work of drafting clear mandate letters to each Minister outlining what their priorities and responsibilities should be,” said Mitchell. “Instead, this government has released a single, two-page letter for the entire cabinet. Not only does this make it harder for Islanders to know who is responsible for what, it weakens accountability across government.”

Mitchell also pointed out that the Premier has suggested individual departments develop their own unique mandate letters — a move he says avoids the very leadership mandate letters are meant to demonstrate.

“Mandate letters are supposed to come from the Premier to provide direction to ministers and departments,” said Mitchell. “Asking departments to write their own marching orders does not show leadership. It creates confusion about priorities and responsibility.”

The Liberal Leader also highlighted several major issues facing Prince Edward Island that are entirely absent from the government’s document.

“Our oyster and aquaculture industries have been on their knees after years of hurricanes, pandemic disruptions, and disease challenges such as MSX and Dermo,” Mitchell said. “This industry supports families and rural communities across the Island, yet it is not mentioned a single time.”

Mitchell added that the lack of focus on school safety and child poverty is equally concerning.

“School safety remains a top concern for Island families following recent reports and reviews, yet there is no clear direction or commitment in this mandate letter,” he said. “At the same time, too many Island children are growing up in poverty, and there is no meaningful acknowledgement of that challenge either.”

Mitchell also noted that while the Premier has repeatedly described the current administration as a “new government,” the reality tells a different story. With little action taken in the last year to address the province’s worsening financial situation, Mitchell called on the Premier to restore stability and provide Islanders with the transparency and accountability they deserve when it comes to the management of public finances.

“With government appearing to be in disarray over the past year, Islanders are looking for stability, leadership, and a clear set of priorities,” Mitchell concluded. “Unfortunately, this mandate letter leaves more questions than answers.”