Aylward raises question about sale of "cuisine machine"

Title

Abstract

Stratford-Kinlock MLA James Aylward questioned Agriculture and Forestry Minister George Webster about the "Cuisine Machine" that has been used at exhibitions across the province. Aylward asked why the culinary machine was being sold to local restaurant owner Kevin Murphy. The Opposition Leader charged that the machine was originally purchased to showcase products from Foodtrust, a public entity that was created by the former Progressive Conservative government of Pat Binns to promote PEI agricultural and seafood brands. Foodtrust was later sold to the private sector. Webster noted that while both the federal and provincial governments provided financial help in the original culinary machine purchase, the equipment is currently owned by the PEI Association of Exhibitions. The minister remarked that the association had decided to sell the "Cuisine Machine" because it needed repairs and it was felt that the equipment was under-utilized. Webster noted that since the government doesn't own the equipment, it has no say in whether or how it its owner disposes of it.

Date

2014-06-11

Issue

5

Title	Aylward raises question about sale of "cuisine machine"
Authors	A. Walker
Abstract	Stratford-Kinlock MLA James Aylward questioned Agriculture and Forestry Minister George Webster about the "Cuisine Machine" that has been used at exhibitions across the province. Aylward asked why the culinary machine was being sold to local restaurant owner Kevin Murphy. The Opposition Leader charged that the machine was originally purchased to showcase products from Foodtrust, a public entity that was created by the former Progressive Conservative government of Pat Binns to promote PEI agricultural and seafood brands. Foodtrust was later sold to the private sector. Webster noted that while both the federal and provincial governments provided financial help in the original culinary machine purchase, the equipment is currently owned by the PEI Association of Exhibitions. The minister remarked that the association had decided to sell the "Cuisine Machine" because it needed repairs and it was felt that the equipment was under-utilized. Webster noted that since the government doesn't own the equipment, it has no say in whether or how it its owner disposes of it.
Journal	Island farmer
Date	2014-06-11
Volume	41
Issue	5
ISSN	0823-7735