Ontario MPPs return to Queen's Park today
Politicians return to Queen's Park today for the start of the latest session at the legislature.
The MPPs last sat in the legislature in December. Since then, the governing Liberals have won a byelection, but the victory came with a controversy that opposition parties are sure to be bringing up in the new session.
Twelve days ago, Glenn Thibeault won the open seat in Sudbury for the Liberals, which became vacant when Joe Cimino stepped down last November.
Thibeault stepped down from a seat in Parliament and left the federal New Democrats, so that he could run for the Liberals at the provincial level.
When the Liberals decided to go with Thibeault as their candidate, the previous candidate in Sudbury was not able to run for the party again.
That former candidate, Andrew Olivier, alleged that the Liberals offered him a job or appointment if he would step aside for Thibeault.
Olivier also posted audio online of talks he had with two Liberal officials — Gerry Lougheed and Pat Sorbara.
The matter is now being investigated by the OPP and Elections Ontario. The Liberals have said no specific offer was made to Olivier.
With Thibeault's entry into the Ontario legislature, the Liberals will hold 59 of the 107 seats. The Tories hold 28 and the New Democrats have the remaining 20 seats.
With files from The Canadian Press