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For immediate release Hardeman questions Liberal Slush Fund TORONTO – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, demanded answers on the why the Minister of Health Promotion doled out $26.4 million for recreation projects that were “known” to him instead of having a fair process and allowing all municipalities to apply. “Communities in Oxford wanted money for recreational projects under the economic stimulus package, but they never received an application. When we asked on behalf of His Worship, Stephen Molnar, the Mayor of Tillsonburg, your office said, “There are no applications.” There is no open process,” said Hardeman during a question to Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion. Hardeman was investigating complaints from the Mayor of Tillsonburg that the municipality didn’t receive applications for this program as is normal practice to ensure openness and fairness. Minister Watson refused to apologize for or justify the lack of an open and fair process. He went as far as to tell Hardeman to “stop complaining.” “I guess the Minister has just said that we should blame the mayor for not having applied because the Minister didn’t send out applications. It’s not where the money went; it’s that applications never went out,” Hardeman said. “Minister, you handed out $26.4 million with no transparency and no accountability. Most municipalities weren’t even considered because they never got a chance to apply.” The funding for recreation projects was part of the economic stimulus plan announced in the 2006 Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review. The economic stimulus funding went to several programs, including tourism where an application process was followed. The $26.4 million for recreation projects was divided among nine projects. The projects selected were described by the Minister’s staff as ones which were “known” to their office. There was no open application process or solicitation of proposals. “How is this a fair and open process? Will you just admit that you are running a political slush fund to try and keep this promise-breaking government afloat?” Hardeman asked. -30- |
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