ORNGE ex-CEO Mazza being recalled by committee

Former ORNGE CEO Chris Mazza is being asked to face more questioning next week by members of a legislative committee looking into Ontario's troubled air ambulance service.

An emotional Mazza faced a day-long grilling by the committee last week, and said he didn't know what went wrong at ORNGE, but that the Liberal government never told him he was veering off course.

Opposition sources said Wednesday the committee has more questions for Mazza, so he is being recalled to testify again, but the date still has to be worked out with his lawyer.

The committee meets again on July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug.2.

It took two Speaker's warrants to get Mazza to finally appear at the committee last week. His doctors said he had been suffering emotional problems and was unable to testify previously. A drained-looking Mazza left the committee saying he was "exhausted" after his testimony.

Mazza told the committee he regretted that his $1.4-million salary, which was hidden from taxpayers, had become a lightning rod for public anger.

Blaming frequent memory lapses on his emotional problems, Mazza denied that he masterminded an alleged kickback scheme with an Italian firm that sold ORNGE a fleet of new helicopters.

Provincial police are conducting a criminal investigation into financial irregularities at ORNGE.

The taxpayer-funded air ambulance service has been mired in controversy amid allegations that public money was used for personal gain.

Mazza had set up a complex web of spinoff companies that the government has since shut down. It also fired Mazza and is now looking for a new CEO.

Health Minister Deb Matthews is also being recalled to face more questions, and is expected to appear Tuesday, before Mazza makes his second appearance.