Barrett questions Premier on his relationship with Ornge CEO

For Immediate Release
August 29, 2012

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett today asked Premier Dalton McGuinty when he’ll have time to come before the Public Accounts Committee with regard to the millions of taxpayers’ dollars that have been misappropriated through the Ornge scandal.

“Public accounts has received and assembled thousands of pages of evidence and background materials. We sat for 16 days. We’ve heard from over 50 witnesses. We’ve tabled thousands of questions,” Barrett detailed. “The lack of proper administration, accountability and oversight by your government is appalling.”

Barrett then went on to ask the Premier about his relationship with Chris Mazza, CEO and President of Ornge Air Ambulance.

“…public accounts has heard testimony from Mr. Alfred Apps, a former Liberal Party president, and has the following e-mail from Alf Apps written in 2007: ‘Last nite worked perfectly. Chris was able to make a real connection with the Premier, and to lay out the success story of Ornge at a high level in a way that provides the groundwork for our entire initiative.’ Premier, did your night with Chris Mazza, CEO of Ornge, work perfectly? Is it true Chris Mazza was able to make a real connection with you? Did he lay out the success story of Ornge for your perusal? Did this night provide the groundwork for the entire initiative?

In his response to MPP Barrett, Mr. McGuinty failed to answer the questions and said it’s time to move forward.

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