NoJetsTO: Questions Arise About Senator’s Involvement in Island Airport Expansion Plans

Senate Scandal Reaches Waterfront: Wallin Fleeced Taxpayers for Porter Expenses—Gautam Malkani, NoJetsTO Media Coordinator

Recent revelations show that Senator Pamela Wallin charged taxpayers for her work on Porter’s board of directors. Coupled with a mysterious calendar entry, the question is how the well-connected politician featured in Porter’s expansion plans before she stepped down from her director position.

“The Senate scandal has reached the Island Airport and Toronto’s waterfront,” NoJetsTO Chair Anshul Kapoor said. “Torontonians deserve to know what Wallin’s role was in lobbying for federal approval of the dangerous jet plans while working on Porter’s board – on the taxpayer’s dime.”

Senator Wallin’s calendar shows a mysterious April 2012 entry titled “Board Briefing on Project RL”, with speculation abound that ‘RL’ stands for ‘Runway Lengthening’. Wallin was a Porter board member until mid-June of this year – well after the announcement of the Island Airport expansion plans.

“A well-connected Ottawa politician was sitting on Porter’s board while the company is seeking federal approval for its plans,” Kapoor continued. “As if this isn’t dubious enough, she even took taxypayer’s money for her Porter board activity.”

“It’s the latest example how taxpayer dollars are benefiting the operation of the Island Airport,” the NoJetsTO chair concluded. “When it comes to our waterfront, the close ties between Porter, the TPA and Ottawa insiders are hurting Toronto.”

NoJetsTO is a coalition of concerned citizens dedicated to preserving Toronto’s mixed-use waterfront and a boutique Island Airport. Representing residents and organizations across Toronto, NoJetsTO opposes the expansion of the Island Airport through jet aircraft and extended runways. NoJetsTO’s goal is to protect the current Tripartite Agreement that governs the Island Airport.