NDP Leader Howard Hampton is calling on the McGuinty Liberals to scrap the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and replace it with a fully transparent and accountable government agency responsible for inspection and oversight of propane facilities across the province.

“The TSSA is a Conservative-Liberal privatization experiment gone horribly wrong,” said Hampton.

“It should not be a surprise to Ontarians that an organization made up of industry representatives who essentially monitor themselves can’t properly ensure public safety.”

The TSSA’s failed oversight of Toronto’s Sunrise Propane, which went up in flames last Sunday, has led to a crisis of confidence in the organization’s ability to ensure safety in all of the areas it oversees, including propane facilities, elevating devices, amusement rides and boilers, added Hampton.

“We need an immediate overhaul of the Technical Standards and Safety Act to replace self-regulation with a public system that’s directly accountable to Ontarians,” said Hampton.

“Given the tragedy that has unfolded in northwest Toronto, families across Ontario shouldn’t have to think twice about the safety of amusement rides at community fairs or the safety of boilers at their workplaces, let alone propane facilities near their homes and schools. The only way to provide all Ontarians with the peace of mind they deserve is by scrapping the TSSA outright.”