A Conservative backbencher in the Ontario government is accusing Premier Mike Harris of protecting pedophiles.

Garry Guzzo, a member from the Ottawa area and a former judge, wants an inquiry into an alleged ring of pedophiles in the Cornwall, Ont., area.

He alleges the government's reluctance to set one up points to a cover-up.

Guzzo introduced a private member's bill earlier this fall to have an inquiry set up. The bill was passed through its first and second readings with support from all parties.

Then the bill died after being blocked by Harris and was left on the order table when the legislative session wrapped this week.

Guzzo first raised concerns about the alleged pedophile ring – which is said to involve prominent members of the Cornwall community – two years ago.

As a judge, Guzzo worked the courts in the area. He sent several letters to Harris, and says he never got a reply.

He wants to know why it took three police investigations to lay charges – hundreds of them – in the case, and why further complaints have led to no more charges.

The premier and Attorney General James Flaherty say an inquiry can't be called while a police investigation is under way.

Guzzo says the premier and the government may end up being held liable for not putting an end to the mess in Cornwall.