North Bay Nugget Feb 12 2001
What is Ontario's premier hiding? In his consistent refusals to allow an inquiry into the Osprey Links affair, and of his own involvement it becomes a bigger question daily. He set a prescedent when Chris Stockwell was suspended on allegations and subsequent investigation of his land dealings in the Oak Ridges Moraine. How is Osprey Links any different?
Questions wait to be asked in Ontario's compensation offer for the people of Walkerton. Although compensation for their losses is certainly owed them, how much is the province hiding? An offer for payment in exchange for provincial clemency stinks of bribery in exchange for silence and an obstruction of justice. These are criminal.
Those with sins to hide should not be in public office, especially in positions of leadership. In its flagrant disregards for human rights and common decency with mean-spirited cuts to Social Services; in its attacks on he destitute, the disabled, the working poor, the unionized worker, the Northern Ontario tourism industry; in its discriminatory policies toward those who must travel long distances for medical care, the "Common Sense" delusion has demonstrated arrogance ill-befitting a caring community.
It's a sad state of affairs when golf courses and bears have more rights in Ontario than its own less-than-fortunate citizens. What Brian Mulroney did for the federal Progressive Conservatives, and what Mitchel Hepburn did for Ontario's Liberals, Mike Harris is doing to his own organization. If he had any respect for his party, honour would dictate that he resign. Now.