The McGuinty government’s rejection of an all-party review to look into the spending scandal at eHealth Ontario shows the government’s commitment to accountability is all window dressing and not much else, says NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

“Instead of having direct accountability to the public about the careless management of public dollars at eHealth Ontario, the McGuinty government wants to sweep things under the rug and make it seem like its in control,” said Horwath.

“In order to revive public confidence, the government should have agreed to let elected MPPs from all parties question eHealth officials. Instead, they used their majority to cover up the scandal.”

In May 2009, it was discovered that eHealth Ontario had given $16-million in untendered contracts to high-priced, Liberal-friendly consultants, who subsequently engaged in questionable billing practices.

This morning, the Standing Committee on Government Agencies considered a motion to bring senior eHealth officials in front of the committee to provide an explanation for the agency’s actions. Backbench Liberal MPPs used their majority to vote down the motion.

“Dalton McGuinty talks about increased accountability and then instructs Liberal backbench members put the brakes on it. His government’s actions smack of arrogance and contempt for Ontarians,” said Horwath.