For immediate release
May 11, 2007

Opposition forces McGuinty to investigate slush-fund scandal
Minister must step aside during investigation: Barrett

Simcoe—MPP Toby Barrett today applauded local media and area residents for keeping the pressure on the McGuinty government to investigate the slush-fund scandal.

“Across Ontario, the interest in the slush fund has been astounding,” Barrett said.  “The bulk of the slush fund money went to groups in Toronto with close Liberal ties, but whose money is it?  It belongs to all Ontarians, not just the Premier’s friends.

“Finally, after nearly 300 questions in the Ontario Legislature, the Premier has caved and called in the Auditor to investigate,” Barrett continued.  “I have to question how anybody can have any confidence in the Minister while the investigation is underway.  If he’s found guilty of running a political slush fund, he shouldn’t be in Cabinet anyway – and if he gets exonerated, there’s nothing preventing him from returning with a cleared name once the auditor reports.”

The slush fund scandal has paralyzed Queen’s Park, with the Opposition using procedural tools to force Premier McGuinty to stop stonewalling.  Due to his sustained refusal to answer pointed questions, the Opposition disrupted the Premier’s legislative agenda.

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