Ontario Tories call for more oversight into Housing Services Corporation

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives are calling for more oversight of an affordable housing non-profit organization, after a number of questionable expenses were flagged.

Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman is introducing a private members' bill that will call for more oversight into the Housing Services Corporation.

The corporation was set up to save municipalities money by bulk-buying products like natural gas and insurance for hundreds of the province's social housing providers. But uncovered documents have raised questions about spending for items like dinners, travel, alcohol and severance.

Hardeman said cities like Hamilton and Thunder Bay are paying millions more for insurance and natural gas because HSC isn't getting the lowest prices.

His bill aims to give the province's auditor general the power to examine HSC's books without having to get permission from the province first. It will also allow municipalities to opt-out of having to buy gas and insurance from the corporation.

"Housing providers will no longer be required to pay the Housing Services Corporation just to be allowed to buy the same insurance coverage for less money from another provider," he said Monday.

"This bill will also restore accountability by requiring the HSC to once again report salaries over $100,000 on the sunshine list."

The Liberals said they've already launched a review of spending at the HSC and are planning to table that in the coming months.

With files from CTV Toronto's Queen's Park Bureau Chief Paul Bliss