Energy minister defends tourney
Timing of golf event questioned
Won't influence bids, Dwight Duncan says
Toronto Star - August 26, 2004
by Rob Ferguson and Caroline Mallan
Energy Minister Dwight Duncan is defending a recent golf fundraiser held
days before yesterday's deadline for proposals from companies hoping to
win electricity generation contracts in Ontario.
There should be no concerns because an independent consulting company is
considering the proposals on behalf of the province, Duncan, who charged $5,000
per foursome of golfers participating in the event, said outside a cabinet meeting yesterday.
"We're not involved in the selection at all."
The annual tournament, for which invitations were sent to energy companies
and other potential donors, was held Monday in Windsor and proceeds went
to Duncan's Liberal riding association in Windsor-St. Clair.
"It has nothing to do with the minister's office," said Duncan
spokesperson Angie Robson.
Opposition critics have complained the timing was questionable, given that
the tournament was two days before yesterday's deadline for proposals on
electricity generation from renewable sources, such as wind and the sun.
Duncan insisted no one who donated was buying influence with him, saying
donors came forward for the "same reason they donate to the Tories. It's part of
the process. As did auto companies and developers. It's part of the process."
A list of donors and the amount raised at the tournament was not immediately
available. The riding association could not be reached for comment.
Attorney-General Michael Bryant said he is willing to look at every aspect
of political fundraising in an effort to raise public confidence, as the
Liberals promised in last fall's campaign.
If concerns are raised about the timing of major political fundraisers in
conjunction with major government policy decisions affecting big business
or others, that's something that might be looked at in the reform process, he added.
Duncan also confirmed the coal-fired Lakeview Generating Station in east
Mississauga, which is blamed for air pollution problems, is still on
schedule to be closed next year despite "potentially serious" new problems
at the Pickering B nuclear generating station.
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