Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to the Ombudsman’s 2012-2013 Annual Report [search the report here at thesilo.ca CP ]:   “Whether it’s safe transportation for medical issues, our civil liberties or responsible, accountable government, the Liberal government has put people at risk by failing to act.

It is especially irresponsible that the Liberal government has failed to introduce legislation to address the appalling conditions of non-emergency medical transportation services.

The current Premier promised action two years ago when she was Minister of Transportation, yet nothing has happened. According to the Ombudsman, the current Transportation Minister was unaware of how serious this issue is and the need to take action now. Ontario can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to take action.

Three years after the Liberals violated our civil liberties at the G20 summit in Toronto, the outdated  Public Works Protection Act: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p55_e.htm  has not been overhauled. All three status quo parties at Queen’s Park shoulder the blame for the delay in fixing this serious breach of our civil liberties.

Finally, it is embarrassing that Ontario remains the only province without Ombuds oversight of hospitals, long term care facilities, children aide societies and other MUSH sector public institutions.  With the Liberals third-rate cover up of the gas plant scandal, we’ve seen this government demonstrate a fear of proper oversight and accountability.

It’s unacceptable that they continue to fail to provide citizens with proper oversight of the MUSH sector.

The Ombudsman’s annual report once again shows the Liberals are a bait and switch government. They say one thing and do another or simply fail to act.”      For the Silo, Becky Smit

Supplemental- Little known Public Works protection Act grants Police Forces sweeping powers: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/2010/07/14/best_be_careful_around_public_works.html

Ontario’s public watchdog office- The Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/home.aspx?lang=en-CA