Canadian province’s e-gaming venture under the microscope

In Canada, the recently elected provincial government of Port Edward Island has moved to uncover exactly what happened in the previous government’s abortive e-gaming venture, which has cost the taxpayer just short of a million dollars (see previous  reports).

The new premier, Wade MacLauchlan, has tasked the provincial Auditor General to conduct a thorough review of the issue, and to examine individuals and companies allegedly embroiled in the deal, including the previous government’s dealings with Simplex, Capital Market Technologies and related companies, along with the arrangements with the province’s First Nation entities.

The review will include recommendations for reform to avoid another expensive debacle, and guidelines for officials.

The decision to order a review comes after fierce political criticism of the lack of transparency shown by the previous government and allegations that some individuals used their inside knowledge of agreements reached behind closed doors to invest in certain companies and projects.

The allegations include criticism of the conduct of the now resigned conflict of interest commissioner, Neil Robinson, who stood down last Sunday after the Opposition Progressive Conservatives Party launched a political campaign for his removal (see previous  report).

Robinson said he had done nothing wrong, but had felt compelled to stand down as he had lost the confidence of the Legislature.  He has been replaced pro tem by John McQuaid, a retired justice of the Prince Edward Island Court of Appeal.

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