Hydro One President and CEO Tom Parkinson

CTF launches petition calling on Premier McGuinty to fire Hydro One boss with cause

By Neil Desai, Canadian Taxpayers Association

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

TORONTO - The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to the sudden resignation of Hydro One President and CEO Tom Parkinson in light of the auditor general’s report revealing Mr. Parkinson had run $50,000 of his personal expenses through his assistant’s corporate credit card and approved them himself avoiding internal audit. 

“Premier McGuinty is trying to sweep the dirt at Hydro One under the rug,” said CTF Ontario director Neil Desai.  “The auditor’s report uncovered over a hundred million dollars worth of expenses that were not justified.  The President and CEO was caught red handed funneling expenses through his employees.  How does this government respond?  By paying him off to leave quietly.”

In light of the auditor’s report and public outrage Mr. Parkinson stepped down from his post yet was awarded two years salary and bonus.  This amounts to $3-million.  The CTF is today launching a petition calling on a full forensic audit at Hydro One and of Mr. Parkinson’s expenses, and demanding he be fired with cause.     

“The lack of accountability at Hydro One is sickening.  What is more outrageous is the government’s response.” Added Desai “The government wants to reward Mr. Parkinson with $3-milion for allowing millions more to be wasted away under his watch.  We at the CTF are not going to let this happen without a fight. Mr. Parkinson must be held accountable.” 

To view the CTF petition please click here

(Neil Desai is Ontario Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation).