FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2000

Sale of public land by the ORC: OPSEU calls for a full inquiry and for more control from the government

TORONTO - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is calling for a full inquiry by the government into the sale of all publicly owned lands by the Ontario Realty Corporation.The sale of two pieces of public land is now being investigated for possible irregularities by auditors employed by Management Board Secretariat.

During the last session of Parliament, Omnibus Bill 14 has received Royal Assent on Dec. 14, 1999. The impact of imminent proclamation of Bill 14 will be to further remove ORC from direct ministerial accountability. "What it means is a loss of direct oversight from Management Board Secretariat on the ORC," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.

"Only a full inquiry will tell us the real story on the sale of public land and the extent of it. This land is owned by the people of Ontario,"said Casselman.

"It's a public accountability issue," said Casselman.

For further information:

Leah Casselman (416) 443-8888 ext.300
Pierre Floréa (416) 448-7442; (cell) (416) 450-1252