Ontario energy minister allegedly ‘sought certain benefits’ to be MPP: Crown
SUDBURY, Ont. — A former MP, who is now Ontario’s energy minister, allegedly “sought certain benefits” to run in a provincial byelection, a Crown lawyer prosecuting two Ontario Liberals on Election Act bribery charges said Monday.
But while the two Liberals, including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s former deputy chief of staff, face bribery counts under the act, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault does not.
“The section makes it an offence to offer, not necessarily to receive (a bribe),” said federal prosecutor Vern Brewer.
Thibeault’s lawyer said the Crown was sullying Thibeault’s reputation and said the prosecutor’s comments were wrong.