Conservative MP Brent Rathgerber just became my favourite Canadian politician for his blog post about our government’s wasteful ministers:
In Grenfell Saskatchewan, most of the attendees have never ridden in a limo and none of them have ever drunk $16 orange juice. Surely, they would appreciate if government took more care in spending their money. (see here)
This is a guy I want on my side and if this is any indication, Edmonton – St Albert is lucky to have him represent them.
NDP MP Pat Martin is trying to use political allies to circumvent donation laws in order to pay for his loud, libellous mouth.
Martin is being sued by Racknine after a belated apology (see here) was deemed insufficient by the company and now wants to avoid coughing up the money for his own defence:
“I’m having a trust fund set up, separate from the party and separate from my office as a Member of Parliament, and that makes it legal for people to donate. It’s not a tax-deductible donation of any kind. It’s not a charity, nor is it a political party donation. It would simply be a contribution to my legal defence fund.” (see here)
Curious to see if Martin’s scheme to get past donations rules will be found to be legal under Canada’s Election Act.
Update: The Federal Accountability Act states:
“In a related amendment to the Parliament of Canada Act, clause 99 of Bill C-2 prohibits members of the House of Commons from directly or indirectly accepting a benefit or income from a trust fund established by reason of their position as members of the House of Commons (see here)
