Progressive Conservatives question Ornge’s ‘shady’ helicopter lease from Italian firm

TORONTO — Ontario’s Opposition says there’s something “shady” about a move by the Ornge air ambulance service to lease a helicopter from an Italian firm under investigation in a kickback scandal.

It’s been four years since police started investigating a web of companies set up by the former head of the Ornge air ambulance service and allegations of kickbacks in the purchase of 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland.

Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown questions why Ornge would deal again with the controversial Italian company, and rejects the government’s claims that only AgustaWestland had the right type of helicopter for lease.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Ontario and Alberta split air ambulance tab

Health Minister Eric Hoskins says the leased helicopter will replace two aging Sikorski choppers used as air ambulances out of Moosonee, and will match the rest of Ontario’s air ambulance fleet from AgustaWestland.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the Liberals are so out of touch they didn’t realize people would be outraged to see Ornge dealing with the company involved in a kickback scandal still being investigated by police.

The Tories wrote OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes on Monday suggesting he add the notice about Ornge entering into another contract with AgustaWestland “in furtherance of that investigation.”

“I can’t believe they’re letting the fox back in the hen house,” Brown said. “There’s so many ethical concerns about the negotiations with this company.”