$161-million CSL 'error' puts Martin on hot seat (Cdn PM) - Globe and Mail

[Screaming Lord Byron]

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040129.wxcsl29/BNStory/Front/

Ottawa — Prime Minister Paul Martin's shipping empire had business dealings with Ottawa that were a thousand times more vast than the Liberal government previously admitted, totalling $161-million over the past 11 years, newly released records show.

Although the government reported to Parliament a year ago that companies Mr. Martin owned did only $137,000 worth of federal business in the past decade, they admitted yesterday that the real amount was far more, including $46-million in contracts issued when Mr. Martin was finance minister.

The huge disparity prompted opposition politicians to raise suspicions of a cover-up. But Mr. Martin insisted that it was a mistake -- one minister said it was due to "administrative errors" -- and that he was unaware of it for months.

He said he was "appalled" when he heard of it, and demanded it be corrected.

Who the hell is in charge of the books on Parliament Hill? How did they miss this? Did they? Was this just an incovenient fact to be swept under the rug?

[La_Serpiente]

1. Isn't there an election this month?

or is it next month?

[Screaming Lord Byron]

2. May 10th, supposedly.

[Minstrel Boy]

3. Quite the clerical error, that.

Well, they're only zeroes. :)

Martin's been back on his heels for a while now, playing defence. A campaign will only turn up the heat, particularly from Layton and the media. (The Conservatives, on the other hand, should be Martin's greatest asset.)

Like Broadbent said a few days ago, "Martin's never been tested." I can't wait.

[Hand]

4. Wel;, hey...

So they were off by... just over 100,000 percent. Anybody can make a mistake.

:evilgrin:

[TrogL]

5. I won't mind if Paul goes down

just wish he'd hurry up and do it.

He's lied from day one.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

6. Just wondering, TrogL, as a Liberal, who would you like instead of Martin?