Stiles: “It makes you wonder what else they’re hiding”

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, issued the following statement after the Integrity Commissioner concluded his report into the appearance of conflict of interest at Ford’s family stag and doe:

“Things are not easy for Ontarians right now. We are in an affordability crisis, a housing crisis. But this government is so busy with damage control from never-ending corruption scandals that they have lost sight of their responsibility to Ontarians.

Two explosive reports – and a potential RCMP investigation -- have revealed a deeply corrupt government that continues to help a select few of their friends instead of helping people.

Ford’s secret backroom deals have cast doubts on every corner of his government.

We set out to shine more light in those dark places and we’ll continue to do so.

We also know the Integrity Commissioner’s scope is narrow and he has long advocated for more oversight powers. He directly calls out the high bar in today’s report. I tabled a bill to bring more transparency to Queen’s Park and the Conservatives voted against it.

The Integrity Commissioner’s report raises further questions, such as why Conservative staff are selling tickets to Ford family events.

There is much more to uncover about the many ways Ford’s Conservatives offered preferential treatment in the billion-dollar Greenbelt corruption crisis.

It makes you wonder what else they’re hiding.”