Dalton McGuinty

The disclosure of documents relating to the plants is incomplete and delayed; the Privacy Commissioner concludes that staff in the Premier's office broke the law by deleting emails. McGuinty's associates subsequently face an investigation and prosecution.

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The McGuinty government passes the Putting Students First Act, allowing employment terms to be imposed and severely restricting collective bargaining in education. In 2016, the Superior Court concludes that the process violated freedom of association and the right to meaningful collective bargaining.

Attribution

Directly implicated

McGuinty acknowledges making the decisions to cancel both plants without knowing their final cost. Auditors subsequently estimate the total cost at approximately 950 M$ to 1,1 G$, fuelling allegations of an extremely costly election-driven decision.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

McGuinty simultaneously announces his forthcoming resignation and the prorogation of the legislature, temporarily ending parliamentary proceedings, including gas plant hearings. The opposition accuses him of using prorogation to escape the scandal.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Green Energy Act centralises approvals for renewable energy projects and removes some planning powers from municipalities. Dozens of municipal councils and rural groups call for a moratorium or greater local control.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Auditor General concludes that the government paid approximately 730 M$ to ORNGE over five years with insufficient oversight, while the agency expanded its commercial structures, high remuneration arrangements and controversial transactions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The government adopts a temporary regulation on police powers around the G20 without adequate public notice. Confusion over a supposed five-metre rule contributes to detentions; the Ombudsman describes a mass violation of civil rights.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The government reaches a multibillion-dollar agreement with Samsung to develop wind and solar power, prompting criticism over subsidies, preferential grid access and the absence of a standard competitive process.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

McGuinty acknowledges that the Harmonised Sales Tax will make families pay more for certain purchases, while the opposition accuses him of breaking his tax promise.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Environmental fees appear on thousands of household products on the same day as the HST, without clear advance notice. Following strong consumer anger, the government abandons the programme.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Auditor General describes major shortcomings in oversight and millions in non-competitive contracts under the eHealth programme. In particular, he links the CEO's sense of autonomy to her appointment with the Premier's support.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The prolonged Caledonia dispute involving Six Nations, residents and authorities puts the McGuinty government under pressure. Residents denounce inaction by the police and province, while McGuinty temporarily suspends discussions following violence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

McGuinty's first budget introduces the Ontario Health Premium, a substantial tax increase following a campaign marked by a promise not to raise taxes. The measure becomes an enduring symbol of a broken promise.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated