Sudbury's Rick Bartolucci denies kickback scheme allegations
NDP Taras Natyashak linked Bartolucci to investigation in politicans accepting free cleaning services
Sudbury’s Liberal MPP Rick Bartolucci has denied allegations made by an NDP candidate that he was part of a kickback scheme.
NDP incumbent Taras Natyshak, for the southern Ontario riding of Essex, is attempting to link Bartolucci to a now-closed Ontario Provincial Police investigation into political officials who accepted free cleaning services.
The investigation dates back to 2010.
Natyashak, who denies the allegations are an election ploy, said a whistleblower connected the former minister with the probe.
“Mr. Bartolucci's name was brought up as someone who received free cleaning services as part of this kickback scheme,” Natyashak said. “We'd like him or Premier Wynne to clear the air on this situation.”
However, OPP Sgt. Carolle Dionne said the matter was cleared up long ago.
She said just because Bartolucci's name was listed in police documents does not indicate guilt and noted he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Bartolucci, who announced in February 2013 that he would not run in a reelection, also spoke out after the accusations.
“I would never do anything inappropriate that would tarnish my name, the name of my family , or the name of the party I represent. So the allegations are baseless,” he said.