Opposition demands minister’s resignation over West Block affair

[CHIMO]

The opposition is slamming the fundraising practices of the Conservative Party and calling for the head of Quebec lieutenant Christian Paradis, who attended a fundraiser last year with the recipients of a $9-million contract on Parliament Hill.

Saying the Harper government is mixing federal contracts and donations to the party, opposition MPs used Question Period to attack the government’s standing on ethical issues.

“It is not okay for a minister of Public Works to shake down contractors at a so-called fundraiser,” said NDP MP Pat Martin. “Are they going to make room in the hall of shame over there and fire that minister?”

In 2008, construction firm LM Sauvé obtained a $9-million contract to renovate the West Block building on the Hill. A few months later, the company’s president, Paul Sauvé, organized a fundraiser for the Conservative Party’s riding association in Bourassa, at which Mr. Paradis was the guest of honour. The cocktail party was attended in large part by members of Mr. Sauvé’s team on the Parliament Hill project, including architects and other construction workers.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/opposition-demands-ministers-resignation-over-west-block-affair/article1748463/

Construction boss contradicts Tory minister

OTTAWA—The Montreal businessman at the heart of a brewing government contract scandal insists he not only discussed the deal with a Conservative cabinet minister — the minister applauded his successful landing of the $9-million job.

Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis has denied ever discussing the parliamentary renovation contract with Paul Sauve — which is now under RCMP investigation — during a Tory fundraiser in January 2009.

“At no time was there any discussion about government business. It was strictly a fundraising event,” Paradis told the House of Commons on Wednesday.

But Sauve said Thursday that the pair did discuss the contract at the fundraiser in the Montreal-area riding of Bourassa.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/872210--construction-boss-contradicts-tory-minister?bn=1

The parliament bulldog is becoming a bore. Time he exited and went back to his elite friends.

[daleo]

1. How is this different than the Sponsorship scandal?

Short answer - it's not.

[CHIMO]

2. Same Old

Same old.

I would say the difference is the 1995 Vote.

But when things get secretive and power is involved, then money becomes the boss.