McGuinty government peels Ornge board after spending accusations

The province is appointing a new boss to tackle the problems at its air ambulance system.

This is the latest problem for the McGuinty government following scandals at e-health and the Ontario Lottery Corporation. The government says it’s sending in a new board of directors along with a new CEO to replace former president and CEO, Dr Chris Mazza.

Mazza went on indefinite medical leave after word got out that he was being paid $1.4 million a year. The air ambulance system costs Ontario taxpayers about $140 million yearly. The finance minister ordered a forensic audit and the auditor general’s department ordered an audit following reports of high salaries at Ornge. But Health Minister Deb Matthews says the auditors ran into a stone wall. And she told CHCH today the Ornge leadership did not demonstrate the accountability and transparency she expects.

Opposition MPPs at Queen’s Park are also raising questions about a profit-making company controlled by Ornge officials, calling it possible cross-subsidization by taxpayers. The government says that for-profit company is now being wound up.

Ornge carries more than 21 thousand patients a year.

Video: Al Sweeney reports: