Lottery Corp leadership out amid another scandal

The scandal-plagued Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's CEO, Kelly McDougald (shown), has been fired and the OLG's entire board of directors has resigned.

Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced these developments today.

The announcement seeks to contain another growing OLG scandal.

The board positions have been filled on a temporary basis.

CTV news is reporting that the government will likely release OLG expenses that show gym and Weight Watchers memberships, golf fees, a $1,500 bar tab at a $3,700 dinner, and a nanny fee so that board members could attend meetings.

In a related move, Duncan said the Ontario government will review the spending practices of all its boards, commissions and agencies.

Duncan has issued the following news release:

************************* Taking action to protect Ontario taxpayers

New leadership at OLG, Auditor-General asked to review expense practices

Ontario taxpayers will be better protected because of actions announced today by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

New initiatives to protect taxpayers' money include:

- New leadership at Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)

- The Minister accepted the resignation of OLG chair and entire board of directors. These positions have been filled on an interim basis

- The first action of the interim board was to end Kelly McDougald's employment as CEO of the OLG.

Going forward, a new board and CEO will work under a mandate to instill a culture of respect for the public interest and taxpayer dollars:

- Ontario's Auditor General has been asked by Minister Duncan to conduct a review of the expense practices at OLG - including the approvals process.

- All government agencies, boards and commissions are being directed to protect taxpayers' interests and strictly adhere to the Ontario Public Service's Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive.

- That directive prohibits employees from expensing personal items and alcohol for staff functions

- A government-wide review of the accountability of agencies, boards and commissions will be initiated to determine what additional steps must be taken to ensure respect for taxpayers' money.

Today, Dwight Duncan, the minister responsible for the OLG, made public expense claim reports and receipts for OLG's executive and senior-level staff from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008.

"Today we are taking another step to protect taxpayers' money. New leadership at the OLG will work under a mandate to instill increased accountability and a culture of respect for the public interest and taxpayer dollars," said Duncan.

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