Liberals co-operating in investigation: Tunstall

The Liberal Party of Ontario said it is fully co-operating with Elections Ontario in an investigation into allegations from Andrew Olivier that he was offered a job if he would step down from the nomination and support former NDP MP Glenn Thibeault.

Following is the press release issued by the Liberal Party:

Statement by Ontario Liberal Party Executive Director Simon Tunstall:

“It is well known that Elections Ontario has conducted interviews in relation to its examination of false allegations related to the Sudbury byelection, including with both NDP MPP Gilles Bisson and PC MPP Steve Clark.

“We’ve been clear with Elections Ontario that they have our full co-operation. To that end, in the coming week, Premier Kathleen Wynne and Patricia Sorbara will also meet Elections Ontario officials, at the request of Elections Ontario.

“We’re glad Elections Ontario is taking this seriously so there will be no doubt that the allegations are false.

“We welcome the opportunity to tell Elections Ontario directly what we’ve said all along — that after the premier told Andrew Olivier that he would not be the candidate, Patricia Sorbara reiterated the premier’s decision and discussed ways Olivier could remain involved in the Party or in matters related to his own personal and stated interests, such as accessibility issues.

“Any suggestion that anything was offered in exchange for any action is false. Andrew Olivier had already been informed that he would not be the candidate. Not only were no specific offers made, but such an offer would have no utility because the premier exercised her prerogative as Ontario Liberal Party Leader to name a candidate, as per the Ontario Liberal Party constitution.

“We’re confident that after their thorough investigation, Elections Ontario will reach the same conclusion.

“We have no doubt that Elections Ontario’s examination is completely fair and independent. Although the NDP knows that neither the Attorney General herself nor her political staff have any involvement in the handling of any Elections Ontario complaint, to ensure the public can have absolutely no doubt, the Attorney General has respectfully declined the invitation from the Sudbury Provincial Liberal campaign to attend their Annual General Meeting next Tuesday.”