Tory demands McGuinty apologise to store owners

Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory called for a legislative committee to investigate lottery scandal today.

Ontario’s Official Leader of the Opposition also said Dalton McGuinty should apologise to convenience store owners and staff.

Full details contained in the news release below.

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Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory today called for Dalton McGuinty to apologize to thousands of small business owners and employees around the province who he said couldn't be trusted because of the lottery scandal.

"Dalton McGuinty's latest attempt to deflect responsibility for the lottery scandal insulted thousands of honest small business people," said Tory. "These are people who work long hours seven days a week trying to make a living for themselves and their families. Dalton McGuinty's comments were wrong, irresponsible and he should apologize."

Tory pressed Dalton McGuinty in the legislature today to apologize but he refused.

Tory told the story of Elaine Abbas of Ottawa, who with her husband has owned and operated a convenience store for nearly 27 years, working 14 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tory said people like Ms. Abbas deserve an apology from Dalton McGuinty.

Tory also urged Dalton McGuinty to have a standing committee of the legislature investigate all matters of the lottogate scandal not currently being [investigated] by the OPP.

He pointed to past precedent where legislative committees investigated similar controversies.

"There is a strong precedent for this. A legislative committee could look at the lottery scandal quickly and cost-effectively, and get to the bottom of the problems with the lottery corporation," said Tory. "Dalton McGuinty promised a greater role for MPPs – now's his opportunity to keep his promise. Unfortunately today we see once again that Dalton McGuinty's promises are meaningless."

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