Trinity-Spadina MP and NDP GTA critic Olivia Chow wants the Auditor General to investigate the activities of the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), the federal agency in charge of the city’s island airport.
Chow wanted to bring public attention to the letter written by four of the nine members of the TPA board containing allegations of misconduct against other TPA board members and staff.
The letter, dated March 30, 2009, was addressed to federal Transport Minister John Baird. Some of the complaints in the letter included ?interference from the previous Minister?s office, conflicts of interests ignored by some members, expenses being paid without appropriate knowledge or authority of the board, and ignoring policy by paying $65,000 to a law firm retained by a few board members who then held onto the legal advice exclusively.?
In a statement released prior to Chow’s statements, the TPA described the authors of the letter, David Gurin, Chris Henley, Michele McCarthy and Doug Reid as ?disgruntled? and part of ?an ongoing effort to attack the good reputation” of the TPA.
TPA chairman Mark McQueen called the allegations in the letter ?defamatory? and described their effort as a ?failed attempt? to embarrass the federal government and TPA members who support the Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA).
Chow has advocated for city control of Toronto’s island airport and harbour for years dating back to her days as a city councillor.
?Ever since control of the Toronto Port Authority was taken away from the City of Toronto by the federal government, it has a history of questionable behaviour and this is just the latest example,? said Chow. ?It is time we give the land and the management of its port back to the City of Toronto.?
The Toronto Port Authority was established in 1999 by the federal government and is responsible for operating the TCCA along with marine terminals in Toronto.