An NDP member of the public accounts committee is entitled to his opinion on auditor general Jacques Lapointe’s latest report, Premier Darrell Dexter says.

“Howard (Epstein) of course always expresses his opinion, and, you know, it’s just part of his character,” Dexter told reporter on Thursday.

Epstein, the MLA for Halifax-Chebucto, teed off on Lapointe at a committee meeting on Wednesday.

At issue was Lapointe’s latest report, which, in addition to auditing the province’s 2010-11 public- accounts documents, expressed an opinion concerning the risks of long-term debt.

Epstein thought it was inappropriate for Lapointe to stray from accounting into economic and policy matters ‘ a point that was stressed over Epstein’s 35 minutes to speak to Lapointe’s report.

The lecture provoked calls on Thursday for Epstein’s removal from the committee by the Progressive Conservative caucus.

“We all share a hand in (the debt),” said PC MLA Chris d’Entremont, who does not sit on the committee.

“But the government that’s in place today should be finding solutions to make it happen. Not shooting the messenger.”

Epstein said on Thursday the PCs should be embarrassed to talk on the topic, when Tory governments were responsible for much of the current $12.8 billion debt.

Dexter said Epstein will remain the vice-chair of the committee.

When asked if Epstein’s lecture was appropriate, Dexter said members are entitled to their own opinions.

“The message that Nova Scotians have to live within their means is essentially a message we have been talking about since we came into government,” said Dexter.

“Debt is, in fact, a serious issue … which we deal with every year.”