Auditor General’s Report Shows McGuinty Government’s Accountability Deficit

Auditor General’s Report Shows

McGuinty Government’s Accountability Deficit

 

December 5, 2011

NEWS

QUEEN’S PARK – The McGuinty government’s lack of accountability can be seen on your hydro bill, your car insurance premium and even at the liquor store, Durham MPP John O’Toole said today.

Mr. O’Toole, who serves as Opposition Accountability Critic, pointed out that the 2011 report from Auditor General Jim McCarter revealed consumers paid over $8 billion on their monthly hydro bills to eliminate an original $7.8 billion in “stranded debt.” However, the Minister of Finance has never provided the public with an update of exactly how much of the debt remains even though the Electricity Act requires him to do so from time to time.

In reviewing green energy initiatives, the Auditor General said the government fast-tracked wind and solar power projects “without many of the usual planning, regulatory and oversight processes.”

The Auditor General said Ontarians pay significantly more for auto insurance than other Canadians because Ontario has the highest accident claims in the country. However, the report also observed that the Commission overseeing the auto insurance sector doesn’t know whether insurers are handling the claims judiciously and paying out the proper amounts.

In its audit of the LCBO, the Auditor General reported that it does not use its purchasing power to get lower wholesale prices, but rather keeps its profitability up with higher costs for consumers.

“Clearly, the Auditor General’s findings do not reveal a government accountable to taxpayers,” Mr. O’Toole said.

QUOTES

  • “The report of the Auditor General explains why Ontarians are paying more and getting less from the McGuinty government. The Auditor General has done his job. Now it’s time for Ontario MPPs to do theirs, by demanding accountability on behalf of Ontario’s taxpayers.”  – John O’Toole, MPP – Durham
  • “Ontarians deserve a government they can trust. The Auditor General has raised some significant questions which call into question the integrity of the McGuinty government.” – John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS

  • Over the last six years, Ontario paid out $1.8 billion to New York State and Quebec to take away the province’s excess electricity.  
  • Studies in other jurisdictions have shown that for each job created through renewable energy programs, two to four jobs are often lost in other sectors of the economy because of higher electricity prices. (Auditor General’s 2011 report, Page 112.)

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433