The sad story of Bruce Carson

[betsy]

A friend said he worked freelance for the Liberal caucus research bureau for a time during John Turner's leadership, between 1984 and 1990.

During Carson's stint at the PMO, it was publicly known that he'd been jailed and disbarred by the Law Society of Upper Canada in the early 1980s for two counts of defrauding clients.

But court documents uncovered by The Canadian Press show he had another run-in with the law in 1990, while he was working as a researcher for the Library of Parliament.

He was charged with defrauding a Budget Car and Truck Rental of a 1989 Toyota vehicle. He was also charged with defrauding the Bank of Montreal and the Toronto-Dominion Bank of sums exceeding $1,000 each.

In June 1990, Carson pleaded guilty to all three counts and received a suspended sentence and 24 months probation on condition that he "continue treatment at the R.O.H. (Royal Ottawa Hospital)" and make restitution of $4,000 within 23 months to the car rental company.

Patrick McCann, who represented Carson in 1990 and is acting for him again now, said the suspended sentence demonstrates the charges were "not considered to be that serious."

"He genuinely had a bit of a meltdown as a result of his marital break-up," McCann said in an interview.

"It was part of the situation at the time that he was having some ... psychiatric counselling and that was a factor, I think, that came into play too."

A friend of Carson's said he suffered "a stress-related mental collapse brought on by an ugly divorce."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/bruce-carson-convicted-of-fraud-disclosed-criminal-record-to-pmo-lawyer-119153024.html

Ignatieff keeps bringing up Carson in his campaign and his five convictions for fraud.

Bruce Carson paid society in full for those crimes.

he'd been jailed and disbarred by the Law Society of Upper Canada in the early 1980s for two counts of defrauding clients.

In June 1990, Carson pleaded guilty to all three counts and received a suspended sentence and 24 months probation on condition that he "continue treatment at the R.O.H. (Royal Ottawa Hospital)" and make restitution of $4,000 within 23 months to the car rental company.

What is Ignatieff saying? An ex-felon does not have a place in society???

Then why are we even trying to rehabilitate felons in prison....providing them with all the necessary tools to integrate them back to society if - according to Ignatieff - they shouldn't be hired simply because of their past crimes?

Bruce Carson's first two crimes caused him to be jailed and disbarred. His last three forays with fraud - $4,000 worth at the most I assume - with him being told to CONTNIUE TREATMENT at the ROYAL OTTAWA HOSPITAL showed a man who's struggling with mental/psychological issues.

I guess Ignatieff only shows compassion is alien to him. Just like how they smeared and vilified Guergis' in various talk shows with her infamous airport tantrums, Ignatieff is doing the same thing to Bruce Carson.

[betsy]

I'm not sure but I think Layton also brought up Bruce Carson in his campaign....thereby showing that he and Ignatieff are like-minded when it comes to ex-felons.

I thought in a democracy, you're accepted back in society after being prosecuted, judged, sentenced, and served the punishment handed down by the court of law.

[jbg]

What is Ignatieff saying? An ex-felon does not have a place in society???

It's one thing if the ex-felon is Homulka. There's always hope for her taking a productive place in society. Not so much Bruce Carson.

[Shakeyhands]

5 criminal convictions.

1 convicted money launderer/madam.

1 escort with access to inside information.

Yup, pure as the driven snow. Exactly the kind of guy we want with access to the PMO.

[BubberMiley]

I thought in a democracy, you're accepted back in society after being prosecuted, judged, sentenced, and served the punishment handed down by the court of law.

You're wrong. That's why they call it a criminal record. You don't necessarily ever get to cross the border again, you don't get to work as a police officer. You likely can't work as a lawyer. And most prime minister won't let you in their inner circle.

Unless, of course, criminals are welcome.

[CANADIEN]

Nobody would dream of considering Karla Homolka for a job as a teacher or working with youth. Yet, she has paid her debt to society. Letting a fraudster into mthe inner circles of pwoer falls in the same category.

[Tilter]

PET was the guy that said "The emphasis is now to be placed on reforming criminals not punishing them."

Not an exact quote but close.

Now Iggy & Jack are saying that reformed criminals aren't. Gee, I hope they keep that thot when the majority CPC government brings the Omnibus Crime Bill to a vote in the new Parliament.

[betsy]

You're wrong. That's why they call it a criminal record. You don't necessarily ever get to cross the border again, you don't get to work as a police officer. You likely can't work as a lawyer. And most prime minister won't let you in their inner circle.

Unless, of course, criminals are welcome.

5 criminal convictions.

1 convicted money launderer/madam.

1 escort with access to inside information.

Yup, pure as the driven snow. Exactly the kind of guy we want with access to the PMO.

Nobody would dream of considering Karla Homolka for a job as a teacher or working with youth. Yet, she has paid her debt to society. Letting a fraudster into mthe inner circles of pwoer falls in the same category.

True, we do not want a serial killer's accomplice to work with the youth nor do we want a convicted pedophile to be working in daycares. Because by doing so we could be endangering other people, putting other lives at stake.

It's easy for Ignatieff to criticize the "lapse in judgement" of Harper in hiring someone with this past....and yet Ignatieff approved the candidacy of a founder of the White Supremacist movement.

Carson also gave Harper the benefit of the doubt, according to The Canadian Press. "He's the prime minister. He wouldn't be reviewing everybody's application for a security clearance."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/04/cv-election-harper-carson.html#

Which is true, hence I wouldn't fault Ignatieff either for being ignorant about the fact regarding his own MP. After all, he wouldn't be reviewing everybody's application for a security clearance!

So what's he saying? He had a lapse in judgement too! So what's he on about being the pot that's calling the kettle black?

He is INCONSISTENT!

Edited April 16, 2011 by betsy

[Sir Bandelot]

This is troubling because it's not the first time we've seen that criminals are involved with this federal government. The first clue was when the minister left a top secret document at his 'girlfriends' house. And she had worked for the Hells Angels, in some capacity...

Not saying it's unique to the CPC. But when these things come out, for any party we must judge them by their merits, not their colours. There can be wolves in sheeps clothing.

Sadly there is no party or leader than can actually be trusted, in my view. Today, or maybe ever.

So when entering the realm of politics one has to accept certain things, it is a den of thieves and pit of vipers and everything in it, is about deceit. If you can accept this, then you are a politician!

[betsy]

This is troubling because it's not the first time we've seen that criminals are involved with this federal government. The first clue was when the minister left a top secret document at his 'girlfriends' house. And she had worked for the Hells Angels, in some capacity...

Not saying it's unique to the CPC. But when these things come out, for any party we must judge them by their merits, not their colours. There can be wolves in sheeps clothing.

Sadly there is no party or leader than can actually be trusted, in my view. Today, or maybe ever.

So when entering the realm of politics one has to accept certain things, it is a den of thieves and pit of vipers and everything in it, is about deceit. If you can accept this, then you are a politician!

Tis true. And politics attract these kind of people like magnet to pins.

[WIP]

Tis true. And politics attract these kind of people like magnet to pins.

Am I missing a piece of the puzzle or something! Betsy, you are continually posting fundamentalist crap about how we can't be good without your God, and we can't be moral unless we are likeminded Christian fundamentalists; and yet as soon as you step out of your religion bubble you turn into the ultimate moral relativist in service of the Conservative Party.

[Handsome Rob]

5 criminal convictions.

1 convicted money launderer/madam.

1 escort with access to inside information.

Yup, pure as the driven snow. Exactly the kind of guy we want with access to the PMO.

Was he pardoned? If so it's discrimination to say no on these grounds alone.

[RNG]

The fact of the matter is that it is very poor politics. I don't for a minute think Harper knew any of this stuff. He would not have tolerated it knowing that the press and the opposition would have a field day. My two best theories are that some beaurocrat recommended him to someone in the PMO, either because he owed a favour, or because he is a bitter Lib supporter.

I lean towards the first right now because I misplaced my tinfoil hat.

[capricorn]

The fact of the matter is that it is very poor politics. I don't for a minute think Harper knew any of this stuff.

I seem to recall he did say he knew about his first offence but not anything else. Anyway, I don't think Harper should have hired Carson in the first place. He should have known this would have come back to haunt him.

[Molly]

The kind of control freak that has rally attendees vetted would not bother doing the same for his staff?

Speaking of tinfoil hats!

[Bob]

It's one thing if the ex-felon is Homulka. There's always hope for her taking a productive place in society. Not so much Bruce Carson.

Wait a minute, Homolka can only be considered rehabilitated if she votes for the Liberal Party.

[Bob]

Nobody would dream of considering Karla Homolka for a job as a teacher or working with youth. Yet, she has paid her debt to society. Letting a fraudster into mthe inner circles of pwoer falls in the same category.

She hasn't been rehabilitated then, has she? If she can't be trusted to be a teacher for fear of her victimizing children, why would we trust her with her free time? That's the point. If she's undeserving of that trust, she should still be behind bars or, better yet, underground.

Edited April 16, 2011 by Bob

[Shwa]

Ignatieff keeps bringing up Carson in his campaign and his five convictions for fraud.

Bruce Carson paid society in full for those crimes.

Wow, you really missed the mark on that shot didn't you soldier. Do you want to know what Bruce Carson is of interest? Here's why:

Former Harper advisor had deal with escort for First Nations water contracts: document

What is Ignatieff saying? An ex-felon does not have a place in society???

Ignatieff is "saying" anything like that. This is what he referring to:

A former senior advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper was lobbying Indian Affairs to land water contracts potentially worth millions of dollars for an Ottawa-based water company that employed his fiancee who was an escort.

The name of Michele McPherson, 22, appears on a secret contract witnessed by Bruce Carson that guaranteed her 20 per cent of all gross revenues from sales related to water contracts on First Nations reserves, according to a copy of the contract obtained by an APTN investigative team.

A former senior advisor to the current sitting Conservative PM lobbies Indian Affairs for a contract that will benefit his fiance.

What sort of 'rehabilitation' to you see here exactly? Seems like the fraudster is still playing the same grift. Get it? It has nothing to do with his former felonies other than they point to his current shady deals and back room lobbying.

Then why are we even trying to rehabilitate felons in prison....providing them with all the necessary tools to integrate them back to society if - according to Ignatieff - they shouldn't be hired simply because of their past crimes?

Bruce Carson's first two crimes caused him to be jailed and disbarred. His last three forays with fraud - $4,000 worth at the most I assume - with him being told to CONTNIUE TREATMENT at the ROYAL OTTAWA HOSPITAL showed a man who's struggling with mental/psychological issues.

And apparently he ain't quite reformed yet, that is what this is an issue. It is not like they made a big deal out of him when he wasn't doing anything shady, it was afterward, when scrutiny was applied that his behavior became suspect and then came to the attention of Ignatieff.

I guess Ignatieff only shows compassion is alien to him. Just like how they smeared and vilified Guergis' in various talk shows with her infamous airport tantrums, Ignatieff is doing the same thing to Bruce Carson.

The Prime Minister’s Office asked the RCMP, the Commissioner of Lobbying and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to investigate Carson’s activities after APTN disclosed some of the information gathered in the course of the investigation.

Oh wait. I guess Harper only shows compassion is alien to him - since he referred everything to be investigated by the RCMP.

Do you get it yet Betsy? Do you follow now? Have you taken a clue yet?

[YEGmann]

Ignatieff is "saying" anything like that. This is what he referring to:

A former senior advisor to the current sitting Conservative PM lobbies Indian Affairs for a contract that will benefit his fiance.

Wow! Who did receive a completed RCMP report on the investigation? Ignatieff or you? Or you both ... stretching the facts?

[kimmy]

A former senior advisor to the current sitting Conservative PM lobbies Indian Affairs for a contract that will benefit his fiance.

It's highly unclear whether what Carson has done qualifies as lobbying under the legal definition. It might, which is why the matter was referred to the RCMP.

What sort of 'rehabilitation' to you see here exactly? Seems like the fraudster is still playing the same grift. Get it? It has nothing to do with his former felonies other than they point to his current shady deals and back room lobbying.

Likewise, no fraud of any sort is being alleged. His relationship with the young woman, while probably distasteful to many, is certainly not illegal. Nor is the manner in which H2O Pros disburses the proceeds of a sale. 20% is probably an unusually high commission, but what of it?

The grand sum of allegations against Carson are that he broke lobbying rules. Claims of fraud are completely unsubstantiated.

-k

[Shakeyhands]

How about having a leader who has the good sense to know the (criminal)history of those he lets in to his inner circle. Is that too much to ask?

[cybercoma]

For most people, going to jail for a few ounces of pot makes it hard to get a job later. Not for Bruce Carson, he smashed right through that glass ceiling faced by those with a criminal past.

[jbg]

Wait a minute, Homolka can only be considered rehabilitated if she votes for the Liberal Party.

Or the NDP. Or the Bloc.

[betsy]

name='WIP' date='16 April 2011 - 02:07 PM' timestamp='1302984469' post='656477']

Am I missing a piece of the puzzle or something! Betsy, you are continually posting fundamentalist crap about how we can't be good without your God, and we can't be moral unless we are likeminded Christian fundamentalists;

Please WIP, don't start your senseless anti-religion rant on Federal Politics.

and yet as soon as you step out of your religion bubble you turn into the ultimate moral relativist in service of the Conservative Party.

Moral relativist? Will you please analyse what I've posted about Bruce Carson.

Am I not endorsing FORGIVENESS? After all the man had already paid for his past crimes.

Am I not endorsing COMPASSION? After all his last sentence indicated that he has some mental/psychological issues.

A man his age going out with a 22 year-old....something is going on inside that man.

What's wrong about what I said as to politics attracting corrupt people? That's stating a fact! Just like daycares and orphanages attract pedophiles....schools and churches attract perverts!

Edited April 17, 2011 by betsy

[betsy]

The kind of control freak that has rally attendees vetted would not bother doing the same for his staff?

Speaking of tinfoil hats!

With my tinfoil hat on, I'd say you never know how low the Opposition can sink when they're desperate. Or what their desperate supporters would do when they feel desperate measures are in order.

Over-zealous staff did what they thought was protecting their leader's effort to bring out his message. Although I must say it did more harm than good.

Tension is way up there. Stressful times.