Ontario’s opposition leader has accused the government of creating a culture of bribery. He also called on the province’s integrity commissioner to investigate the Progressive Conservative Party’s upcoming fundraiser.
Premier Doug Ford and Transport Minister Prabhu Sarkaria have launched a fundraiser, with tickets on sale for $1,000. The Ontario Trucking Association has urged members to buy tickets and has a message for the government to stop illegal operations.
“We need to make the event the association’s trucking event,” wrote association chairman Mark Bylsma. “There will be a clear message that our industry supports your government and we want your government to bring order to our sector. Those who attend this event should consider it an investment in our industry and in our own businesses. That’s the only way to win this fight.”
NDP Leader Marit Stylis said ministers in ministries where people have businesses should not be collecting funds. That’s clear. The government has started a culture of service for money, which is sending a message to Ontarians that if they want their government to listen to them, they have to pay.
Stephen Laskowski, president and CEO of the Trucking Association, said in a statement that his organization has not spoken to anyone in government about the event.
