Surveying the state of electricity politics thus far in #ONelxn

Here are two columns, originally published in the Niagara Independent, surveying the state of electricity issues in the pronouncements of the major parties leading up to the June 7th election in Ontario. The first was published May 18 and the second May 22. Continue reading ‘Surveying the state of electricity politics thus far in #ONelxn’ »

Comments on the Globe and Mail’s Coverage of the Ontario AG vs. Gov’t Electricity Conflict

The Globe and Mail’s Matthew McClearn continues his coverage of the conflict between Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk and the Wynne government over how the province should report the financial impacts of its electricity mess. His new report is here. I commented on his previous article in this series, published a month ago here.

McClearn’s latest captures an understatement from Lysyk, “If you get away with doing something that’s inappropriate accounting, the next time you’ll do it again and you’ll do it again. Pretty soon they won’t have any numbers that will have any integrity behind them.” Ontario’s financial reports are already tainted. Continue reading ‘Comments on the Globe and Mail’s Coverage of the Ontario AG vs. Gov’t Electricity Conflict’ »

Gas Busters Part 82: Appeal of Livingston Conviction and Sentence Filed

Everyone watching the Ontario Liberal gas plant scandal criminal trial knew it was coming, but the appeal, filed about four hours after the sentence, did arrive quickly.

Livingston’s appeal, which is posted below, seems to me to be so weak that I wonder if the lawyers are selling a whiff of hope to their client simply to run up more fees. Continue reading ‘Gas Busters Part 82: Appeal of Livingston Conviction and Sentence Filed’ »

Gas Busters Part 79: Whatever Happened to McGuinty’s Key Gas Scandlers?

Tomorrow is the sentencing day for former Premier McGuinty’s last chief of staff, David Livingston. I’ll be reporting here on what happens. While we’re all waiting for Judge Lipson’s sentence, another question is where are the other key gas scandlers now? Continue reading ‘Gas Busters Part 79: Whatever Happened to McGuinty’s Key Gas Scandlers?’ »

Ontario AG vs. Gov’t Electricity Conflict

In her testimony March 21 to the Public Accounts Committee, Ontario’s Auditor General (AG) Bonnie Lysyk issued findings documenting outrageously bad behaviour by the IESO management and board of directors. Since the IESO board is no longer independent, having become simply an extension of the Ministry of Energy — albeit with much higher labour rates — the root of the conflict that at first appears to be between the AG and IESO is actually part of the expanding conflict between the AG and the Ontario government.

The purpose of this post is to summarize the building conflict between the AG and the government and to point at two areas where I think this conflict may move next. Continue reading ‘Ontario AG vs. Gov’t Electricity Conflict’ »

Gas Busters Part 78: Watching Livingston’s Sentencing Hearing

Today began the sentencing hearing for former Premier McGuinty’s chief of staff David Livingston.

Livingston’s defence team presented 27 character witness statements. About half of those witnesses appeared in person, and several of those stayed the entire long day of the hearing. One travelled from Vancouver to appear.

And what a parade of notables! Continue reading ‘Gas Busters Part 78: Watching Livingston’s Sentencing Hearing’ »