News
Ex-Ornge manages. directors refused to co-operate with probe
March 21, 2012, Toronto - Ontario's auditor general will release his report on Ornge today, but he may not be able to tell the whole story behind the scandal.
March 21, 2012 By The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press has learned that the former management and board of directors at the agency refused to co-operate with auditor general Jim McCarter.
A source says they denied him key documents that would have revealed the "truth'' behind its for-profit subsidiaries and financial irregularities being investigated by police.
McCarter's report was expected to provide insight on those irregularities, but he may be severely limited in what he can reveal.
Ornge receives about $150 million a year from the province to operate a non-profit air medical rescue and transport service.
But the agency has been mired in controversy over high salaries, questionable business practices and allegations that public dollars may have been used for personal gain.
The NDP and Conservatives say they're expecting a damning report from McCarter, who will likely confirm that there was little government oversight of the agency.
Health Minister Deb Matthews — who has refused to resign over the scandal — has promised new legislation that would tighten the leash on Ornge, but won't say when it will be introduced.
