Premier Doug Ford’s government is tight-lipped about the scope of parallel investigations into allegations swirling around a former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister and a key aide.Despite the premier’s pledge to increase transparency at Queen’s Park, the Tories have gone to ground since Friday’s surprise resignations of Jim Wilson, Ford’s most experienced minister, and Andrew Kimber, a top adviser.That prompted New Democrat MPP Sara Singh to charge Tuesday the Tories were “misleading” Ontarians about what really happened by initially saying Wilson was leaving cabinet and the PC caucus to deal with addiction issues.“It has now been five days since Doug Ford’s office released a media statement that tried to cover up the sexual misconduct allegations that now appear to be the actual cause of Jim Wilson’s exit,” said Singh (Brampton Centre).“This is a lie by omission. There’s information that is being withheld,” she told reporters.Indeed, other than Children, Community Services and Women’s Issues Minister Lisa MacLeod confirming Monday that “third party investigations started to take place immediately,” the government is saying little publicly about the two scandals.“(With) the investigations our underlying principle is protect the identity of anyone who might have come forward,” Ford’s office said Tuesday.The Conservatives, sworn in four months ago, have been paralyzed by the shocking departures of Wilson and Kimber.Tory insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the loss of both men is especially difficult for Ford, who trusted their judgment and appreciated their experience.The premier often sought their counsel when dissatisfied with the advice from some of the political novices in his office, sources told the Star.“Doug likes to hear different points of view and has been reaching out bey ...
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