Launches a petition so constituents can ensure their voices are heard

(Kanata, Ontario) – Norm Sterling, MPP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills today launched a petition demanding the McGuinty Government hold that public inquiry into the $1 Billion spending scandal.

“I have heard from many constituents who believe that a public inquiry is the only way to get to the bottom of this mess,” said Mr. Sterling.  “Our leader Tim Hudak and our Party have demanded a public inquiry and I wanted to give my constituents a way to support this demand.”

The eHealth scandal has been the subject of a report by the Auditor General and will be the subject of a hearing and report by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.  However, Mr. Sterling noted that the Auditor General lacked the mandate or the resources necessary to answer many of the most important questions about this scandal.

“I have full respect for the Auditor General and, as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, I know we will ask tough questions, but given that the majority of the members of the Public Accounts Committee are Liberals, people won’t have confidence that we can get to the bottom of what happened and who was involved,” said Mr. Sterling. 

The Auditor General’s report suggests that there may have been deliberate collusion and bid-rigging at eHealth.  His report also highlights the role of the Management Board of Cabinet in waiving the rules relating to untendered contracts.  And maybe most disturbing, the Auditor’s report tells of his being stonewalled for almost six months from starting his audit. 

“I asked the Premier during Question Period whether he would request a forensic audit to find the documents that went missing while the auditor was being stonewalled,” said Mr. Sterling.  “He refused, so the only way to ensure Ontarians find out where their money went and why is an independent public inquiry with a full mandate to subpoena testimony and documents.”

To get a copy of Mr. Sterling’s petition visit www.normsterling.com or call (613) 599-3000.

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For more information, call Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Norm Sterling at: (613) 599-3000