The Dalton Gang (en francais)

Looks like Dalton McGuinty and the gang aren't learning any lessons from their federal cousins.

Lottery job appointment `disturbs' PCs

Jan. 30, 2006. 01:00 AM

Jim Warren, who served for 18 months as Premier Dalton McGuinty's executive director of communications, has been hired by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

As vice-president of strategic relationships, Warren will be responsible for pursuing new initiatives with the corporation, which oversees lotteries, casinos and slots and is mandated to maximize profits in a socially responsible manner.

Progressive Conservative critic Bob Runciman called Warren's hiring "disturbing," and said his party will look into whether the job was created specifically for him as a political favour.

"One of our concerns is that they're going to use these crown corporations as taxpayer-funded campaign offices," he said. Duncan Brown, the corporation's chief executive, had board approval when he asked Warren to accept the new position, said spokesperson Teresa Roncon.

Warren was communications director for former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman, and worked for Belinda Stronach when she was president of Magna International before taking the job with the premier.