Another LIEBERAL Scandal in Ontario

[Quadriplegic Liberal Candidate in Sudbury Latest Wynne Target]

   

My blood came to a slow boil when news of this one first broke two weeks ago.  As the murky details emerged and were collaborated by taped details; this latest scandal paints a pretty lurid picture of the inner workings of the Ontario Lieberal Party (OLP).

As I attempt to put aside my personal loathing of K. Wynne (present Ontario Premier) and my contempt for the continuous abuse of office, I wish to share the details of this latest in the continuous strand of scandals.

This one took place in Sudbury (Ontario). Seven months after being elected the NDP MPP, Joe Cimino stepped down for personal reasons. From the outset, the NDP seemed poised to win this week’s scheduled by-election.  Then things went awry. 

The Sudbury Lieberal riding association had elected candidate Andrew Olivier to carry the (Lieberal) party’s banner.  However, Lieberal party leader and current Premier of Ontario, KI. Wynne took some sort of dislike for candidate Oliver who happens to be a quadriplegic and went about recruiting a sitting NDP member of the Canadian parliament (Glenn Thibeault).  Oliver refused to step aside opting instead to run as an independent candidate.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began formal investigations concerning Criminal Code of Canada violations surrounding meetings that took place between Oliver and high ranking Lieberal party officials as they attempted to dissuade Oliver from running.

The investigation has revealed that Wynne’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Patricia Sorbara and long-time Lieberal fundraiser, Gerry Lougheed had met with Oliver and offered what is perceived to be a bribe or incentive for Oliver agreeing to stay out of the by-election contest.

When confronted with this allegation several weeks ago, the Premier attempted to deny the allegation and put distance between herself, and her staff and the storm that was brewing.  When confronted with the allegation several weeks ago.

It has now been revealed by police investigations that meetings did take place and that incentive had been offered. Those allegations were collaborated by tape recordings made between the meetings that took place between Oliver, Sorbara and Lougheed.

Sorbara is heard saying, ““If you, for example, wanted to be on the executive of the Ontario Liberal Party that would give you a voice at the party level,” Ms. Sorbara says. “If there are other things you’re particularly interested in which is within her realm to make you part of, she is more than prepared to do that.

 “There are lots of other avenues we can look at.”

Lougheed has been recorded as saying, ““The Premier wants to talk to you. We would like to present to you options in terms of appointments, jobs, whatever.” 

Lougheed also happens to be a Lieberal appointed member of the Sudbury Police Service Board. (wink)

Is what has been alleged against the law?  In truth, probably. Ontario’s Election Act, under Section 96.1 says: “No person shall: (e): give, procure or promise or agree to procure an office or employment to induce a person to become a candidate, refrain from becoming a candidate or withdraw his or her candidacy.”

Det.-Const. Erin Thomas, of the OPP Anti-Rackets Squad, cites additional Criminal Code concerns, “there are reasonable grounds to believe that a Criminal Code offence was committed — “the solicitation, negotiation in any manner or recommendation with respect to an appointment to an office in expectation of a direct or indirect reward, advantage or benefit.”

If substantiated in court, that charge would put Sorbara and Lougheed in a position where they would need to defend themselves from Criminal charges.  The fact that Wynne subsequently recanted her initial denial and offered that since nothing specific had been offered to Oliver, there was no foul. 

It could very well mean that the OPP will spread into the Premier’s office in order to determine if Wynne had any direct involvement or had influence Sorbara and Lougheed to break the law. 

The OPP already has plenty of experience attempting to investigate Lieberal wrong-doings at Queen’s Park.  One wonders if this present trail of investigation will reveal another case of missing and erased computer hard-drives as was the case with last year’s “gas plant scandals”.

The Lieberal Party has a long history of scandals in recent Ontario history. What sets this one apart is the fact that it goes to the very heart of the democratic process of elections.  The fact that a quadriplegic, like Oliver was targeted by the party as unfit speaks volumes about fairness to persons with disabilities.

We get the type of government that we deserve.  Sadly, the media treats the Lieberal party (Federal and Ontario) with kid’s gloves.  Uninformed voters occur when the media shows a bias in its reporting.  Eventually, the public will inform itself of the sinister inner workings of the Lieberal party…… let’s hope it is sooner than later.