G20: One Year Later, Still No Accountability

This weekend marks the 1st anniversary of the Toronto G20. The public outcry in response to the financial costs and violations of civil liberties were expected by many to fade from public consciousness. However, as we approach the anniversary, we have seen a resurgence of public and media attention.

The Green Party, along with many organizations and citizen’s groups, are calling for more transparent and accountable government.

The Ombudsman of Ontario referred to the infamous weekend as a, “ time period where martial law was set in the city of Toronto, leading to the most massive compromise of civil liberties in Canadian history.” Still the McGuinty Government has stood silent, refusing to divulge important details about the part they played. Conservative Leader Tim Hudak has also been silent, not calling for more information into the planning and execution of the events surrounding the weekend.

To date Premier McGuinty will only admit that his government should have done more to explain the secret regulations under the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA) that gave police extended powers to search and detain citizens. To date they have refused to address the Ombudsman's concerns that the law was likely not constitutional.

On June 2nd 2010, following no debate among MPPs in the legislature, the amendments to the PWPA were passed through an order-in-council. The only MPPs able to discuss this amendment were the members of the Legislation and Regulation Committee of McGuinty's own cabinet.

Transparency in government is the foundation to fair, open and democratic process, yet the secretive passing of the G20 regulations has not ended, what the Ombudsman's annual report referred to as a recurring pattern of deliberate obscurity in government.

The G20 is no longer just about burning police cars and broken windows. It now exemplifies the divide citizens are feeling between themselves and their government. Allowing any government to avoid accountability on such a massively contemptuous issue sets a dangerous precedent.  

A responsible government is one that is open, transparent and accountable, one that does not allow for mass confusion that results in civil liberty violations, physical injury and property damage. Ontarians deserve open and transparent dialogue with their elected officials. Elected officials who after all work for them. It's time to stop the secret deals. It's time to restore transparency in government. It's time for accountability at Queens Park.