Ontario NDP Leader Urges Integrity Commissioner to Investigate Premier’s Use of Personal Phones and Emails
Ontario NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is calling for an investigation into the use of personal phones and emails by Premier Doug Ford and his government staff. This request comes in the wake of a scathing report by Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk regarding the government’s decision to open up protected Greenbelt lands for housing development.
In her report, Lysyk revealed a lack of transparency in the process of selecting specific sites, with nearly all suggestions made by Housing Minister Steve Clark’s chief of staff. The chief of staff received packages from developers at an industry event, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Furthermore, Lysyk found evidence that political staff were using personal email accounts to communicate with lobbyists, which goes against public service guidelines. Additionally, emails were being forwarded from government accounts to personal ones, and there was a pattern of email deletions that violated established rules.
Stiles is also drawing attention to a Global News report suggesting that Premier Ford uses his personal cellphone for government business. Although the integrity commissioner’s Greenbelt ethics investigation is focused on Minister Clark, Stiles argues that any communications between Ford and Clark are relevant. She wants to ensure that all relevant records on Ford’s personal phone are disclosed.
This call for an investigation raises important questions about transparency and accountability within the government. The use of personal phones and emails for official business raises concerns about the security and accessibility of government records. It also emphasizes the need for proper adherence to established guidelines and rules regarding communication.
It remains to be seen whether the integrity commissioner will take up Stiles’ request and expand the scope of the investigation. However, this development highlights the growing scrutiny and calls for accountability in Ontario’s political landscape.
In conclusion, the NDP Leader’s request for the integrity commissioner to investigate the Premier’s use of personal phones and emails adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into the government’s decision to open up Greenbelt lands for development. The issues raised by Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s report warrant a thorough examination of the transparency and adherence to guidelines within the government. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the level of trust and accountability expected from Ontario’s political leaders.
