'No controls' on Ontario grants worth $32-million

[Leafless]

"The awarding of more than $32-million in grants to more than 100 ethnic and cultural groups in Ontario over the past two years by the Liberal government was conducted through a process that "was not open, transparent or accountable," the provincial Auditor-General concluded yesterday."

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Sounds familiar, like some type of cultural scam, typical with the Liberals.

But fear not Mr. Mc.Guinty said:

"I want to apologize to the people of Ontario"

Duh, gee thanks Dalton!

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/st...58-f3f30e6edce3

[B. Max]

"The awarding of more than $32-million in grants to more than 100 ethnic and cultural groups in Ontario over the past two years by the Liberal government was conducted through a process that "was not open, transparent or accountable," the provincial Auditor-General concluded yesterday."

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"I want to apologize to the people of Ontario"

Duh, gee thanks Dalton!

What he really means is sorry they got caught.

[capricorn]

From all reports, all dealings took place in the Minister's office on the basis of verbal discussions and agreements. It appears the bureaucrats had little to do in managing these funds. Had they been involved, you'd think they would have been leery of doling out that kind of cash on strictly verbal instructions. What I would like to know is who in the province's treasury department authorized the release of those funds without a paper trail. Where do the province's accountants fit in all this? Where they instructed to turn a blind eye to the goings on?

Others apart from Colle were definitely involved. They may be politicians or bureaucrats. We have a right to know and before the elections.

[Leafless]

What I would like to know is who in the province's treasury department authorized the release of those funds without a paper trail.

It is like what provincial Conservative leader John Tory said:

"the program was another example of the "repeated disdain" the Liberal government has shown for taxpayer money. "The standard here is set by the boss," suggested Mr. Tory, who said Mr. McGuinty must accept responsibility for the lack of spending controls in the grant program."

[geoffrey]

How does this guy actually stand a chance of re-election?

And people in Ontario made fun of us for re-electing Klein. At least he led a competent government most days. What the heck are you guys thinking? Give this guy the boot!

[capricorn]

How does this guy actually stand a chance of re-election?

McGuinty is trying desperately to distance himself from the "Colle-Gate" scandal. He stated he was under the impression procedures were being followed and he apologized profusely to Ontarians. An interesting tidbit being discussed on local talk radio. Nowhere will you see a picture of McGuinty handing over the $1M cheque to the crickett association. It has been confirmed a photographer was indeed present. Come on, don't tell me a picture of the cheque being handed over was not taken. Where is it? It never appeared in any of the newspapers.

Most bloggers I have read are opposed to Tory's faith based school idea. IMO, I think he had a better chance of unseating McGuinty had he not floated this plan.

Informed voters will have a gut wrenching decision to make. A choice between the McGuinty government's cavalier attitude toward taxpayers' money and mismanagement of those funds or the risks posed by public funding of faith based schools.

[FascistLibertarian]

Makes me sad I didnt start my own ethnic org. Get a few hundred thousand to pass out some bagpipes!

[margrace]

Oh come on, grants for certain items whether federal or provincial are questionable. There are not enough civil servants to follow up, they have to rely on reports by the receivers and in my view municiple gov'ts are the worst recievers.

[Topaz]

Didn't the grants go to taxpayer of Ontario?? That's more than what Harper is willing to do. he rather spend the billions of tax $$ on the military and keep us at war, while everyhitng else falls apart! Any time taxpayers can get their money back, more power to them!! BUT, I've heard that the 32 million may have to be paid back.

[geoffrey]

Any time taxpayers can get their money back, more power to them!!

So tax cuts and massive slashing of all social services? Brilliant!

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$32 million is a couple of things. It's ~$3 per Ontario resident. No biggy. It's also the cost of putting about 40 new police officers on the streets. Big deal.

So what do you want to do with the cash? Is it 'ok' that this money just disappears, given to groups for political ends (hmm, that sounds like another Liberal scheme).

[madmax]

Oh come on, grants for certain items whether federal or provincial are questionable. There are not enough civil servants to follow up, they have to rely on reports by the receivers and in my view municiple gov'ts are the worst recievers.

Sorry, but these actions were totally unacceptable. The Liberals were caught engaging in activities similar to their larger Federal Cousins. Essentially using tax payer moneys to prop up people and organizations who would in turn prop up the Liberals.

They were caught, and I don't think the resignation is enough.

[madmax]

Didn't the grants go to taxpayer of Ontario?? That's more than what Harper is willing to do. he rather spend the billions of tax $$ on the military and keep us at war, while everyhitng else falls apart! Any time taxpayers can get their money back, more power to them!! BUT, I've heard that the 32 million may have to be paid back.

What a bloody mess, it sure feels like stealing to me. The accountability is so lacking, I have no idea how this party gets off so lightly.

[madmax]

So what do you want to do with the cash? Is it 'ok' that this money just disappears, given to groups for political ends (hmm, that sounds like another Liberal scheme).

Difficult to choose between schemes used by the Federal and Provincial Liberals. Why do they appear so similar in nature?