Mantha “Unpaid bills threaten Elliot Lake inquiry” (Incl.Video)
QUEEN’S PARK, ON – In the legislature today NDP MPP Michael Mantha urged the Premier to honour the government’s commitment and act immediately to pay outstanding fees to the legal counsel working on the Algo Mall public inquiry.
Last Friday, Douglas Elliott, legal counsel for the Elliot Lake Mall Action Committee and the Seniors Action Group of Elliot Lake, told the Commission that he was unable to continue representing these groups because his office has been operating unpaid since last summer.
“Elliot Lake is still looking for answers into the devastating Algo Mall collapse. For a community that has suffered so much, this government-caused delay is utterly unacceptable. Will the Premier commit to removing barriers at the Elliot Lake inquiry so that the voices of the victims are not silenced a minute longer?” Mantha stated.
The Order-of-Council for the Elliot Lake Inquiry outlines that it is the responsibility of the Attorney General’s office to reimburse the legal fees of the participants who were granted funding.
“It is shameful that government failures have put extra hurdles in the victim’s quest to get answers.” said Mantha.
The Attorney General specified that his office would look into the matter today; however Mantha says government should be paying bills proactively rather than reacting when problems arise.
