Sudbury·Audio

Liberal's Glenn Thibeault in the spotlight at Queen's Park

Liberal MPP Glenn Thibeault will be the centre of attention Tuesday at Queen's Park as he spends his first day as the provincial representative for the Sudbury riding.

Official opposition says it plans to ask questions about OPP investigation into Liberal bribery allegations

Liberal candidate Glenn Thibeault is seen celebrating his byelection win on Feb. 5 in Sudbury. It's his first day as the provincial representative for the Sudbury riding. (Thomas Duncan/Canadian Press)
It's Glenn Thibeault's first day as a Liberal MPP at Queen's Park. He'll be sworn in today. The Toronto Star's Robert Benzie offered up some analysis of what Thibeault can expect as he takes his seat.
Liberal MPP Glenn Thibeault will be the centre of attention Tuesday at Queen's Park as he spends his first day as the provincial representative for the Sudbury riding.
The former federal NDP member will be escorted into the legislature by Premier Kathleen Wynne and Government House Leader Yasir Naqvi Tuesday as the legislature resumes for the next session.
We check in with Glenn Thibeault as he transitions from the House of Commons to Queen's Park. The newly elected Liberal MPP won't likely have an easy first day in his new job.

But the swearing in for the new MPP comes with a cloud still hanging over the conduct of Liberals during the Sudbury byelection, said official opposition House Leader and Progressive Conservative Steve Clarke.

"The very first question that would come from the leader of Her Majesty's official opposition, Jim Wilson," he said. "[It] will, most likely, in some way, be related to the Sudbury byelection."

The investigations into the question of whether the liberals offered Andrew Olivier a bribe has tarnished all politicians, Clarke said.

The former Liberal candidate alleges he was offered a job or appointment to make way for Glenn Thibeault's appointment as Liberal candidate in the Sudbury byelection.

NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson said Thibeault might find his reception at Queen's Park a little cool.

"I think it just brings us all into question with regards to how clean is our electoral system?" he said. "If the public doesn't feel confident with how clean that system is, I think it brings democracy down a couple of notches."

Despite the controversy, both Bisson and Clarke said the business of the Legislature will continue.

'I have a job to do'

The former federal New Democrat, Glenn Thibeault was sworn in as a provincial Liberal at Queen's Park earlier today.
That's what Thibeault said he expects as well, he told CBC Sudbury's Morning North radio program on Tuesday.

"I’m expecting a decent reception," he said.

"I know it’s going to be difficult for some of the other parties when I walk in there, [but] I have a job to do."

Thibeault said he is looking forward to getting ready to work.

"The NDP can say what they need to say .... I’m with a party now that has a progressive vision and a progressive plan," he said.

As for the OPP investigation, Thibeault said he has "not been questioned yet, but I’m sure they’ll want an opportunity to speak with me."

Currently the new MPP said he is without an office and is "looking forward to getting my own staff. There’s lots I need to do," including opening a constituency office in Sudbury.