(Queen’s Park) – The McGuinty government continues to duck and dodge questions about how $647 million of taxes dollars was spent on the Smart Systems for Health Agency (SSHA). According to FOIs obtained by the Official Opposition, it was revealed that the SSHA has spent millions on fees, flights, food and hotels for consultants.  

During Question Period, Progressive Conservative Health Critic, Elizabeth Witmer, demanded that the Premier and the Minister of Health demonstrate accountability to Ontario taxpayers and call in the Auditor General to conduct a value-for-money audit of the Smart Systems for Health Agency. Both the Premier and Minister of Health refused to do so.

This refusal to take action stands in stark contrast to what the McGuinty government said in the MOHLTC Results-based Plan Briefing Book 2008-2009, page 2…  

“A solid investment strategy is completely dependent on clear returns on investment… Ontarians are entitled to know what they are getting for their money… The government will not spend where measurable results are not evident.”

“We are already seeing the same excessive spending on food, travel and accommodation for consultants at the new e-Health agency. This increases the need for an audit to identify waste in the Smart Systems for Health Agency to ensure that eHealth Ontario operates with efficiency.” said Witmer. “The Minister has the power to call in the Auditor General to conduct an audit of the Smart Systems for Health Agency. I urge the Minister to do so.” 

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For further information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306