Complaint over Hydro back with ombudsman

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/11/2009 (5874 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba Hydro whistleblower complaint that’s been in limbo for a year has been ping-ponged back where it began — the Manitoba ombudsman’s office.

That’s the same office that couldn’t handle the complaint in the first place. And, the move places the complaint back under the province’s whistleblower protection act, which carries strict confidentiality provisions that could limit how widely the ombudsman is able to report on the substance and merits of the allegations.

Late Tuesday, following weeks of questions about her ability to remain impartial, auditor general Carol Bellringer announced she would no longer head up the investigation into allegations Hydro could face bankruptcy and blackouts. Bellringer referred the whistleblower complaint back to ombudsman Irene Hamilton, where it was originally filed in Dec. 2008.

Bellringer was a member of the Manitoba Hydro board and head of its audit committee while the whistleblower was doing consulting work for the power company. Bellringer initially planned to seek the help of outside auditors to ensure her impartiality, though she noted the New York-based consultant didn’t submit any reports until after Bellringer had left the board.

Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen was pleased Bellringer had relinquished control of the investigation.

“The next step is the important one,” said McFadyen. “The ombudsman will have to decide how to do a thorough review of what the whistleblower is saying. That means finding someone who is independent and who has the technical expertise needed.”

That could involved hiring an outside energy consultant or working in tandem with the Public Utilities Board, which regulates Hydro, holds public hearings and is also investigating the whistleblower’s allegations. Bellringer didn’t return calls Tuesday afternoon, and staff at the ombudsman’s office refused to comment on how they will proceed. The year-long process has been a tortured one that raises questions about the effectiveness of the province’s new whistleblower legislation. McFadyen said the fault lies with Premier Greg Selinger.

“It’s important for the premier to show leadership and ensure the right people and the right process is put in place to deal with these issues,” said McFadyen.

maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca