Influence peddling and the grits?

Nothing has changed for the grits. They are unable to raise much money from individual Canadians, but can raise vast sums from banks, corporations and wealthy entrepreneurs. Millions were raised for the grit leadership candidates by "borrowing" in amounts and from corporations ,which would be illegal if deemed donations. The leader of HM loyal opposition and other memebrs of the grit party are still beholding to theses sources of funds. Elections Canada has made it easier for the grits to continue their reliance on corporate funds. Who knows how this influences a party with no ideas or vision like the grits.
Elections Canada is no longer trusted by many Canadians, as it seems to have become the fundraising arm of the grits. Just as the CBC is one of the media divisions. Marc Mayrand should be fired. The other grits in his office responsible for the leaks and over the top raid should also be exposed and fired. the civil service is supposed to be neutral. Once again we see it is not. There are a number of very senior bureaucrats in a number of key positions, who have actively sabotaged the Tories . It is time they were exposed and dealt with.


But the point of the two rules is the same: to regulate the effect of private money on politics. Most of the money owed by Mr. Dion and Mr. Ignatieff was lent by banks, corporations and wealthy entrepreneurs, all of whom may have public-policy issues pending before Parliament. The longer that leadership candidates have outstanding debts to such creditors, the greater the risk that voters will perceive them to be beholden to special interests.

We see the Liberals’ and Tories’ alleged infractions as similarly significant. So the question presents itself: Why has Elections Canada chosen to treat them so differently? Mr. Mayrand, we’re waiting for your answer.


Also an interesting comment to the article.

by Bill_37
Jul 31 2008
10:49 PM
The double standard is more than just glaring. The committee 'investigating' the Tories alleged 'in and out' ad funding heard some very interesting evidence from our friend Mr. Mayrand recently.

When the Tories submitted a copy of an email from the NDP (which they obtained from Elections Canada of all things) which clearly illustrated that the NDP at least were doing exactly the same thing, Mr. Mayrand "couldn't comment" as he was 'unaware' of it. Right.

Then it started turning into a total farce. Mr. Mayrand stated, in front of the committee, that Elections Canada had done an internal review and that it was clear that the Tories were in violation of the relevant Act.

The Tories then asked Mr. Mayrand to submit this document to the committee as it was relevant and part of his decision making process. Mr. Mayrand refused (!). He then stated that it wasn't so much of a document or formal review as 'just a page; nothing really'. Caught in deliberate misrepresentation number 1. There was no formal review.

Next he was asked who had written this 'document'. Mr. Mayrand then had to admit that he had written it himself. Caught in deliberate misrepresentation number 2!...