Thibeault to be sworn in at Legislature this morning

The Ontario Legislature resumes sitting this morning, and Sudbury will feature prominently once again.

After dominating provincial headlines since the seat in Sudbury became vacant in November, the opposition parties are certain to keep hammering the Liberals on the Andrew Olivier scandal.

The OPP and Elections Ontario are investigating allegations by Olivier that he was offered a job or an appointment if he withdrew his candidacy in Sudbury in favour of Glenn Thibeault, who crossed over from the federal NDP.

Olivier, who is quadriplegic and records many conversations in lieu of taking notes, posted audio online of his talks with local Liberal Gerry Lougheed and the premier's deputy chief of staff, Pat Sorbara.

The Liberals have maintained no specific offer was made to Olivier, saying they were trying to keep him active in the party.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has not faced questions from reporters since police filed a court document in which they say there are grounds to believe an offence was committed. She will likely be flooded with questions from the opposition during the session's first question period.

"It's our duty," says interim Progressive Conservative Leader Jim Wilson. "Frankly as a politician I'm not going to let the sons of guns bring down the whole noble profession of representing your constituents."

Almost lost amid talk of the scandal is the fact Thibeault will be officially be sworn in this morning, becoming Sudbury MPP and a member of Wynne's government. Proceedings will be televised on the Legislature's TV channel, as well as on the province's website, www.ontla.on.ca/web/go2.jsp?Page=/webcast/webcast_main&locale=en&menuItem=dandp_webcast.