November 16, 2005

LIBERAL AD AGENCY POCKETS $6.3 MILLION

Dalton McGuinty's election ad agency gets millions during Liberals first full year

(Queen's Park) - The agency that created the Dalton McGuinty "I won't raise your taxes" advertising campaign received over $6.3 million in government contracts in one year, the Official Opposition revealed today.

"The McGuinty Liberals have some explaining to do," said Progressive Conservative House Leader Bob Runciman. "This company received very little government business before Dalton McGuinty was elected compared with his first full year in office."

In 2003/04, Bensimon-Byrne received only $99,900 in government contracts. In the McGuinty Liberals first full year in office in 2004/05, the advertising agency was paid $6,319,050.

"If this is not an elaborate scheme to help Liberal friends then Dalton McGuinty should instruct his government to immediately release the details of the tenders and full reasoning behind choosing their election ad agency," said Runciman. "Dalton McGuinty promised open and accountable government. Once again he has gone back on his word."

The McGuinty Liberals have given Bensimon-Byrne contracts for over $6.3 million through the following ministries:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Food - $130,000
• Management Board Secretariat (now Government Services) - $177,188
• Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration - $283,500
• Ministry of Health - $5,728,362

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