An ORNGE helicopter of Ontario's air ambulance service is shown in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-ORNGE
August 02, 2012 - 1:59 PM
TORONTO - Ontario's integrity commissioner says former Liberal party president Alfred Apps engaged in unregistered lobbying activities on behalf of Ontario's troubled air ambulance service, Ornge.
Apps had previously testified to a legislative committee that he "never" lobbied the government on behalf of Ornge and acted only as a legal adviser.
Lynn Morrison told the committee that Apps's previous law firm, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, sent her emails Apps had sent and asked her for an opinion.
She says after reviewing the materials, she concluded that Apps had lobbied as a consultant, including arranging a meeting between Ornge and public office holders.
Ornge has been mired in controversy over questionable business deals and its former CEO's $1.4-million compensation, among other concerns.
Ornge, which receives $150 million a year from the province, is currently under a criminal probe for financial irregularities.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012