Ontario deputy premier 'convinced' corruption allegations false

Allison Jones, The Canadian Press Published Monday, February 9, 2015 3:19PM EST Last Updated Monday, February 9, 2015 5:59PM EST

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her deputy chief of staff will meet with police investigators, the premier's office said Monday, as the Liberals denied allegations they broke the law in the lead-up to a recent byelection.

"We've been clear that the authorities have our full co-operation, and we are confident that after Premier Wynne and Pat Sorbara meet with the investigators, they will reach the same conclusion," Wynne's spokeswoman, Zita Astravas, said Monday in an email.

The Ontario Provincial Police are investigating allegations that Liberal officials offered their Sudbury, Ont., candidate from the June election a job or appointment late last year in exchange for not running in last Thursday's byelection.

Wynne appointed former NDP MP Glenn Thibeault, who won the byelection, instead of holding a nomination.

The spurned candidate, Andrew Olivier, is quadriplegic and records many conversations because he can't take notes, so he has put the audio of his talks with two Liberals -- including Pat Sorbara, the premier's deputy chief of staff -- online, saying they back up his claims.

Earlier Monday, deputy premier Deb Matthews said she is "absolutely convinced" the Liberals did nothing criminal in behind-the-scenes talks ahead of the byelection.

Matthews admitted she hasn't listened to Olivier's audio recordings, but said she is confident the allegations are false.

"I am absolutely convinced that there was no breach," she said. "I have not listened to the tapes. But I've seen enough."

Progressive Conservative house leader Steve Clark said the Liberals "gave up their integrity" to win the Sudbury seat.

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Ontario deputy premier 'convinced' corruption allegations false

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