Province is shirking its responsibilities

Re Troubled tire recycling agency will be closed, Feb. 24 The main question must be why it takes a Toronto Star column and/or investigation to move the Ontario government to effectively oversee its own ministries and agencies.

Glen Murray, minister of the environment and climate change, admitted he had “concern” and the Toronto Star investigation “confirmed” it.

Why would he not have taken action on his concerns and determined where the problems are and develop a plan to eradicate them?

Murray, like Premier Kathleen Wynne, keeps talking about “accountability,” “protection of the public interest” and “fair, open and transparent process.” Why is this not happening unless there are media investigations?

There are serious problems with government oversight of tax dollars and compliance with legislation across health, education, disability and accessibility, hydro, etc.

Why should it take investigations by media to get a response from the gov- ernment, which is merely a public servant, and individuals who are supposed to be representing their constituents?

By his statements, Murray made it clear that for action to be taken, one must turn to the media.

Should there then be an all-out call to citizens across this province to send letters of concern to the Toronto Star for investigations into government complacency and inaction regarding their legal responsibilities in all public service sectors?

Kudos to the Toronto Star for trying to keep the government honest. Janis Jaffe-White, Toronto