Elections Ontario mum on Olivier job offer allegations

“At Elections Ontario, we don't comment publicly on whether we've received a complaint or whether we're investigating a matter,” Willis said.

But he did agree to describe the general process they go through when they receive a complaint. It's first reviewed by Elections Ontario to determine whether it appears a breach of the Elections Act or the Election Finances Act has taken place. If so, the matter is referred to the Ministry of the Attorney General.

“The ministry may then refer the matter to the police for an investigation or prosecution,” he said. “When the investigation is finished – if an investigation is launched – the chief electoral officer, Greg Essensa, would then report the investigation to the Legislative Assembly.”

The opposition parties asked for an investigation Dec. 15 after former Liberal candidate Andrew Olivier alleged local Liberal Gerry Lougheed Jr. and Provincial Liberal campaign director Pat Sorbara tried to induce him to quit quietly and endorse Glenn Thibeault as the candidate.

Olivier told a news conference that Lougheed said if he agreed to go, “I should request to see what was in it for me – perhaps a job or an appointment.”

He said Sorbara made a similar offer, something she and Lougheed have since denied.

“I asked him how he wanted to stay part of the team, because we respect you so much,” Lougheed said Dec. 16. “I never had the ability to offer him a job. There was never going to be a job offer in that conversation.

“When I heard some of the things (Olivier) said, it was a bit confusing to me … The premier or Pat Sorbara never told me any of that kind of thing. It was never on the agenda and it was never mentioned.”
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she also phoned Olivier, but denied she authorized or asked anyone to offer him a job.

“I had that conversation because I wanted him to be clear about what was happening,” Wynne said in Sudbury Dec. 19. “There was nothing specific offered to Andrew. And there was nothing asked. It was a conversation about keeping him involved.”

When asked to react to Wynne's statements, Oliver declined.

“I am sorry but I can't comment any further on this,” he said in a message. “I don't want to impede on a possible investigation into the matter.”

For his part, Willis said they're committed to not speaking publicly unless an investigation is completed and charges are recommended by police.

“Especially since we're heading into a byelection in Sudbury, we wouldn't comment on this,” he said.