For immediate release:
March 29, 2007

Barrett demands resignation of lottery Minister
Asks what a McGuinty Cabinet Minister must do to get fired

Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett called for Minister Caplan’s resignation yesterday, after explaining to the Ontario Legislature that Cabinet Ministers must step aside when they are unable to properly oversee their departments.

“Cabinet ministers must take responsibility for any inability to properly oversee their departments,” Barrett told the Legislature.  “We’re seeing a disturbing pattern of behaviour with this government when it comes to holding cabinet ministers responsible for their actions, or lack thereof.”

Barrett went on to explain that under Premier McGuinty, Ministers rarely step aside when their ethics and leadership are in question.

“Every day we are learning more about Minister Caplan’s role in the $100-million Lottogate, yet he’s still sitting at the cabinet table,” Barrett continued.  “What must a Dalton McGuinty Minister do to get fired?

“When a government organization loses upwards of $100 million, the responsible Minister must go – full stop,” Barrett said outside the Legislature.  “Rebuilding confidence in Ontario’s lotteries requires new leadership at the top.”

-30-

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446 or
1-800-903-8629