Wynne to meet with OPP over allegations

TORONTO • Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her deputy chief of staff will meet with police investigators, the premier’s office said Monday, as the Liberals deny allegations they broke the law in the lead-up to a recent byelection.

“We’ve been clear that the authorities have our full co-operation, and we are confident that after Premier Wynne and Pat Sorbara meet with the investigators, they will reach the same conclusion,” Ms. Wynne’s spokeswoman, Zita Astravas, said in an email.

The OPP are investigating allegations that Liberal officials offered their Sudbury candidate from last June’s provincial election a job or appointment late last year in exchange for not running in last Thursday’s byelection.

Ms. Wynne appointed former NDP MP Glenn Thibeault, who went on to win the byelection, as the Liberal candidate instead of holding a nomination race.

The spurned candidate, Andrew Olivier, is quadriplegic and records many conversations because he can’t take notes. He has put the audio of talks with two Liberals — one being Pat Sorbara — online, saying they back up his claims.

Media reports said provincial police believe two Liberals broke the law, according to a police document sworn before a judge to get a production order for evidence.

The police allegations have not been tested in court, and no charges have been laid.

Elections Ontario is also investigating the Liberals’ alleged actions, which the opposition parties say amount to bribery.