Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has denied some pretty powerful allegations made by North Bay Mayor Al McDonald about the OPG announcement this week.
See: Mayor says Premier's Office interfered in OPG announcement
McDonald argues that the March 6 announcement by Ontario Power Generation to move 44 employees out of the city was ordered delayed by the government until after Wynne made her announcement March 2nd to reduce hydro rates to avoid political embarrassment.
McDonald says the OPG announcement was originally supposed to be made public February 22nd.
"I didn't have any discussion with the Ministry (of Energy)," Premier Wynne told BayToday on a conference call Wednesday evening. "It was an OPG decision. I don't know who they had discussions with at this point. I certainly didn't have any discussions with them. It was an OPG staffing decision. You'll have to talk to OPG about their business decisions."
An email request for comment to OPG's Al Reid, Chief Operating Officer, two days ago has not had a response.
See: OPG confirms it...40 jobs gone!
When pressed, Premier Wynne could not confirm there was no government involvement.
"I can't say that Jeff. You asked me what conversations I had. I didn't have any conversations with OPG. I'm sure there are officials that talk all the time, I really don't know, but I can't comment on their business decisions."
McDonald says Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault told him, he also knew nothing about it.
