Conservative minister defends taxpayer money for opposing pipeline going to US eco-groups

What an utter load of crap from Environment Minister Peter Kent saying that he’s forced by law to give millions of taxpayers’ dollars to native and eco-fanatic groups who want to stop an oil pipeline:

The minister says the funding is meant for “aboriginal people who have a stake or interest in any proposed project,” and for anyone who lives near a project or can provide expertise. (see here)

I would love for Kent to explain what the ridiculous criteria is that enables groups that are heavily funded through US organizations and native bands that have no lands affected by the pipeline to receive our money.

Someone should also remind Kent that he is in a majority government and if there are stupid laws that need to be changed, he’s the one that has the capability to do so.

Also: See earlier post on Ezra Levant uncovering these idiotic payments here

 

Bloc used taxpayers’ money to write book on Duceppe

The scandal of the Gilles Duceppe using his Commons office budget to fund Bloc Québécois Party activities (see here) is growing as the Toronto Sun is now reporting the author of book on Duceppe was also paid illegally.

Duceppe, through Carole Lavallee, admitted using his Commons office budget money for the separatist book project, at least initially and said the former leader later refunded the House of Commons for every cent.

Lavallee would not say how much was used from Duceppe’s budget on the book, nor how much the Bloc paid back.

She also declined to provide proof the Bloc paid the government back.

QMI Agency reviewed Bloc Quebecois’ financial statements for 2010. They include no expense or footnote for a Commons refund. The party spent $600 on research and $15,760 on communications that year.

And check out what the author admitted:

Asked to check his pay stubs, Toupin said he kept none. Asked to check T-4 tax slips, Toupin said he didn’t receive slips from the Commons or Bloc – or royalties, either. (see here)

Did he just say he didn’t claim it via the Canada Revenue Agency meaning no income tax was paid?

Update: The Bloc have released 3 contracts and a $12,000 refund cheque (see here)