Stiles says special audits show Ford government’s failure to protect Ontarians, calls for urgent action to end fraud in commercial truck driver training and licensing

QUEEN’S PARK — Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition, says Ontario families are paying the steep price of a government that has fallen out of touch with their responsibility to serve the people following a series of new Auditor General reports:

The reports raised serious concerns about commercial truck driver training, supports for students with special education needs, and major delays at Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office:

“Whether it is on our highways or in our classrooms, the Ford government is failing the people of Ontario, and in many cases, putting them in harm’s way,” said Stiles. “While they parade announcements and shiny press conferences, it’s all just window dressing to hide the fact that this government cannot deliver basic services.”

The AG found major issues across multiple systems, including jarring findings about appearance of fraud in truck driver licensing and training programs offered by private career colleges:

"For years, the Ford government has been warned about rampant fraud in commercial truck driver training and licensing. We have heard heartbreaking stories from families about losing loved ones on Northern highways. And yet, this government continues to ignore reality.

“We need to urgently bring commercial truck driver training and licensing under the Ministry of Transportation. How many more lives need to be lost for the Premier to start taking this issue seriously?"