Fortunata Posted June 11, 2008 Report Posted June 11, 2008 (edited) I am curious to know how the French Press is covering the story. Here's a (google) translated story: On Wednesday, June 11, 2008Julie Couillard at the centre of a case of influence peddling A survey conducted by La Presse on influence peddling involving Julie Couillard led yesterday to a second resignation in three weeks in the Harper government. This time, the political adviser to Michael Fortier, Bernard Cote, another former lover of Ms. Couillard, who fell. La Presse had previously discovered that Julie Couillard has used his romantic relationships with Mr. Côté and the former Minister Maxime Bernier to try to influence government for a housing developer, the Group Kevlar inc., In which it is affiliated. "This issue was brought to my attention today only," said Fortier dans un courriel. Fortier in an email. Mr. Côté had failed to inform me that when he maintained an intimate relationship with Julie Couillard, she tried to get a government contract for Kevlar and had raised this issue with Mr. Côté. .. When Canadians elected Conservative government in 2006, they expected more accountability and transparency in Ottawa, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, and that is what I am to do," adds Fortier, who claims not to know Mrs. Couillard. www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080611/ The piece goes on with a timeline which is very interesting. eta: I can't post the whole url as it is too long and can't seem to get the insert link to work for me. Edited June 11, 2008 by Fortunata Quote
HisSelf Posted June 11, 2008 Report Posted June 11, 2008 Yeah, this is a GREAT story. Reminds of the series "Rome" that is playing on the History Channel. Substitute Mdm Couillard for Cleopatra, LOL. She tried to sell her story too early. She could probably get a cool mill for it now, LOL. Moll to the nation. I love it. Quote ...
peter_puck Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 I could logically follow your two consecutive posts right up until this comment. I doubt very much that the CPC was interested in having Coulliard as a candidate for the purpose of keeping her away from her Outlaw Bikers, and Mafai connections. Is this why the CPC flew Her around the Globe? To keep her out of Biker Bars. That was meant to be a joke. I was on heavy pain meds during my posting marathon on here yesterday and forgot the smiley. I think that if the government knew her background prior to the media leak, then there actions are not defendable. I really doubt they knew the full extent of it. Look at elections both here and the states where political parties don't really know who is running for them until the candidates are vetted by the news media. If you cannot find everything out about your potential MP's, how can you vet their girlfriends. You have to remember that as far as we know, she has never been charged with anything, much less convicted. If they ran her record she would , she would come back clean as a whistle. This isn't about just a "biker girl". I wish I could play god and go back in time and make her fat and ugly, just to see how much different the story would be. This is about Quebec, and the likely pursual of OutLaw Bikers trying to find another hook into power, and a government dismissing the affair as a private matter between a squabbling couple. I guess that is why this plays more in Quebec than anywhere else. Organized crime trying to get into government, as well as their biker problems have gotten more press in the past. When you tell someone in Ontario or Alberta that there was a chance that bikers were trying to infiltrate the government, it just doesn't play because bikers have never gained the level of influence there. Quote
madmax Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 (edited) That was meant to be a joke. I was on heavy pain meds during my posting marathon on here yesterday and forgot the smiley. I understand . I have done the same. Sorry about the rush to judgement. There is an Quebec MP who probably could use some of those Pain Meds about now. I really doubt they knew the full extent of it. Look at elections both here and the states where political parties don't really know who is running for them until the candidates are vetted by the news media. Yes, I have seen heavier screening for a minimum wage job. If you cannot find everything out about your potential MP's, how can you vet their girlfriends. You have to remember that as far as we know, she has never been charged with anything, much less convicted. If they ran her record she would , she would come back clean as a whistle. That would be true if she were running as a CPC candidate. But as a person flying around on taxpayers tab and moving within circles to meet with the President of the United States, it is clear that she was "Known to Police" and should have been vetted prior to any of these free trips. I wish I could play god and go back in time and make her fat and ugly, just to see how much different the story would be. A "feminist" on this board? Sorry, I like a good story, and so does the media. Its a fact of life. I guess that is why this plays more in Quebec than anywhere else. Organized crime trying to get into government, as well as their biker problems have gotten more press in the past. When you tell someone in Ontario or Alberta that there was a chance that bikers were trying to infiltrate the government, it just doesn't play because bikers have never gained the level of influence there. I buy into that. Edited June 12, 2008 by madmax Quote
TOhasCLASS Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Politics are very sad these days ..... there are very few worthy politicians now. Kind of like picking through a dumpster out back of Loblaws for your apples .... for every 1 edible apple you get 10 rotten ones. Problem I have with this government is that there seems to be more rotten fruit than past governments ..... The CPC party seems to have very little quality in it's ranks and Harper (while the most itelligent of the bunch) lacks vision, flexability, interpersonal skills and most of all integrity. If Harper were the stand up guy he claims to be " I will make goverments accountable with my policy " he would have dumped Bernier ages ago. Now he has to face the music ... and he's obstinant about it. If Rae had been elected Liberal Leader instead of Dion ... we would be having an election right now. The only thing holding the Liberals from getting back in is Dion (while i believe him to be a good man) because he doesn't garner that strong image of a leader (unfair or not) Quote
Argus Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 This last problem of the Cons only proves that they aren't experienced enough to be the seating government. Harper , himself as far as I know has never held a minister position and its time for them to go and graze in the pasture and get more experience behind them. Uh huh. Like whom? BTW, your position appears to be that only those who have already been ministers should be ministers - an argument for no government ever changing, for no opposition party ever taking over the reigns of government. Do you believe there should even be elections? Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Argus Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Politics are very sad these days ..... there are very few worthy politicians now. Kind of like picking through a dumpster out back of Loblaws for your apples .... for every 1 edible apple you get 10 rotten ones. Problem I have with this government is that there seems to be more rotten fruit than past governments ..... The CPC party seems to have very little quality in it's ranks and Harper (while the most itelligent of the bunch) lacks vision, flexability, interpersonal skills and most of all integrity. Compared to whom? Jean Chretien? Paul Martin? Stephane Dion? You want Bob Rae as PM because you want an NDP government in power and that's the only way you'll get one. And your problem with the Tories has nothing to do with their supposed lack of integrity but their lack of socialist beliefs. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Wild Bill Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Just for the record I would like to say that I'm just "pleased as punch" to see a political scandal in Canada that involves a sexy biker babe! As a country our scandals always seem to be so flippin' BORING! The sort of thing that gets Ned Flanders from The Simpsons all upset. Clinton had his Monica and the Brits routinely have sexcapades in their Parliaments. Sometimes I feel like my country is the "brown shoes" of the world... Quote "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." -- George Bernard Shaw "There is no point in being difficult when, with a little extra effort, you can be completely impossible."
Fortunata Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Just for the record I would like to say that I'm just "pleased as punch" to see a political scandal in Canada that involves a sexy biker babe! I'm pleased as punch it's the Conservatives. Of course their holier-than-thou attitude remains but people now know they aren't saints, white knights or even any different than any one else (puppetry aside of course). Quote
madmax Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 I'm pleased as punch it's the Conservatives. Of course their holier-than-thou attitude remains but people now know they aren't saints, white knights or even any different than any one else (puppetry aside of course). The optics are great for media, and according to the polls the scandal is not affecting the government. So we still have a good story with great legs and a body of evidence, and a chestful of questions. I am curious about this aspect of the scandal, just as much as its physical presentation. So it turns out that Julie Couillard met Max Bernier under the same circumstances that got that guy fired from Michael Fortier’s office two days ago: the fine folks at Kevlar Real Estate, who continue to deny that Julie Couillard was their employee No doubt, Bernier has seen the early polls like the CPC and now come out to state he is going to run again. I received one of those polling firm calls. I think Bernier can provide the country more entertainment by running again. Perhaps Coulliard could challenge the nomination, and run against him as the CPC candidate Besides she has met with BUSH and is more articulate and competent then Bernier, and the CPC isn't concerned about her private life Quote
madmax Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 The Edmonton Sun has provided a timeline. Also in the article is a problem of accountability. Fortier, declining to testify. Here is the timeline. JULIE'S GUYS Early 1990s: Tony Volpato In her early 20s, Julie Couillard dates Tony Volpato, related to Montreal's Cotroni mafia family. 1993 to 1996: Gilles Giguere Couillard lives with the right-hand man to Robert "Bob" Giguere, who is close to Montreal Hells Angels boss Maurice "Mom" Boucher. One day, Giguere does not make it back from an appointment. His bullet-ridden body is found in a ditch. 1997 to 1999: Stephane Sirois In spring 1997 she hooks up with this member of the Rockers biker gang in a motorcycle bar in Montreal North. Sirois soon falls in love and leaves the crime world. They are married Sept. 19, 1997. They are divorced March 4, 1999. Sirois becomes a police informant and now lives in the Witness Protection Program. 2001 Couillard's father, Marcel, is found guilty of growing marijuana in a hydroponic greenhouse owned by Stephane Sirois. 2004 -- 2005: Robert Pepin They meet in a restaurant in early 2004. Pepin is awaiting trial for theft. He works for investigation agency D.R.P. He talks his father into appointing her company vice-president. They separate in February, 2005. He commits suicide in spring 2007. Summer 2006: Normand Descoteaux Julie Couillard is allegedly seen in a Laval restaurant with loan shark Normand Descoteaux, who is a close associated of Maurice Boucher. Summer -- fall 2007: Bernard Cote Julie Couillard entertains a relationship with Bernard Cote, a political aide to Public Works Minister Michael Fortier. April 2007 -- April 2008: Maxime Bernier Couillard meets Bernier at a dinner party. In August she escorts him to the cabinet swearing in ceremony, where he is sworn in as federal minister for Foreign Affairs. After Bernier forgets federal documents at her home, he resigns his cabinet post. There is a sucker born every minute. Quote
noahbody Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Also in the article is a problem of accountability. Bernier resigned. Cote was fired. Is that not accountability? Considering Gagliano's timely appointment to Ambassador to Denmark, I'd say we've come a long way in the accountabiltiy department. Quote
madmax Posted June 12, 2008 Report Posted June 12, 2008 Bernier resigned. Cote was fired. Is that not accountability? Considering Gagliano's timely appointment to Ambassador to Denmark, I'd say we've come a long way in the accountabiltiy department. Send your comments to the BQ or the Edmonton Sun. Quote
peter_puck Posted June 13, 2008 Report Posted June 13, 2008 Yes, I have seen heavier screening for a minimum wage job. That would be true if she were running as a CPC candidate. But as a person flying around on taxpayers tab and moving within circles to meet with the President of the United States, it is clear that she was "Known to Police" and should have been vetted prior to any of these free trips. It probably should have, but I don't think "known to police" is a not fool proof system. The local police may suspect that I have a grow op in my basement, but they would not likely tell CSIS or the RCMP. The biker unit may have a file on me, but it most likely won't be visible to someone in Quebec. If you look at how much money it cost them to make a gun registry, imagine how much it would take to make a biker chick registry. I know someone who went through an extensive security check in the United States where guys in suits actually showed up to visit the neighbours. From his description of what they did, I can see someone getting through. Again, never been arrested or charged probably goes a long way. I wish this was not such a partisan thing. Biker gangs have tried for a long time to infiltrate police departments, and I am wondering if this is the same thing. There was a story a while ago about how bikers had "biker chicks" try to pick up police officers at bars frequented by cops ...(I assume married cops for blackmail purposes). I think this should be explored with the cooperation of the government. I would really like to know exactly what this lady did for a living (yes she was a real estate agent, but there is no record she sold a property) A "feminist" on this board? Sorry, I like a good story, and so does the media. Its a fact of life. I buy into that. It is a good story ..but I am wondering how much the average person would care. This has got the attention of people who don't normally read the news. Quote
Topaz Posted June 14, 2008 Author Report Posted June 14, 2008 This morning, the radio news reported that Bernier said he doesn't remember leaving the papers at Julie's. So was he drunk and didn't remember the next day or is he saying that she drugged him , and lost his memory or is he pulling a "I don't remember" excuse, which just adds to the list of ways the Cons refuse to answer any question. Quote
madmax Posted June 16, 2008 Report Posted June 16, 2008 This morning, the radio news reported that Bernier said he doesn't remember leaving the papers at Julie's. So was he drunk and didn't remember the next day or is he saying that she drugged him , and lost his memory or is he pulling a "I don't remember" excuse, which just adds to the list of ways the Cons refuse to answer any question. Bernier is a dupe and incompetent who is being treated with kid gloves by his party. He has learned the Liberal, sargent Shultz impersonation. One also used by corporate heads being investigated for fraud in the US. (I am the CEO/CFO I know nothing of finance or how the company was directed) However, Berniers biggest contribution, just might be to the issue that caught my attention earlier. Someone here pointed out about Couilard being the "Travelling" Companion on the taxpayers dime. Free trips around the globe paid by us suckers. It looks like this has caught the attention of the media and the public at the same time and the governments dirty little secret is out there. One that the CPC want to keep. http://canadianpress.google.com/article/AL...tL8KpuFrWTnwFrA It's too much for John Williamson, head of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation."There should be a disclosure mechanism where the taxpayers and the public are able to see who's flying with MPs," he says. "There are six-figure travel expenses and a cone of secrecy around them". On top of that the CPC was getting such bad press they rushed out their attact adds, to cover Berniers incompetence. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...PStory/National Quote
Fortunata Posted June 16, 2008 Report Posted June 16, 2008 According to Mike Duffy only Liberal MPs are now interested in Couillard, Bernier et. al. The public isn't talking about it nor the press. Interesting. Quote
madmax Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 According to Mike Duffy only Liberal MPs are now interested in Couillard, Bernier et. al. The public isn't talking about it nor the press. Interesting. I guess Mike Duffy isn't the press? 1) He is talking about it. 2) He needs to use Google just to make certain he fellow journalists are no longer following the story. 3) HOT OFF THE PRESS, THE STORY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!!! Choose your favourite pub. 54 articles this morning. Sorted by relevance Sort by date Sort by date with duplicates included « View all web results for Couillard Canada.com Couillard won't be at committee Toronto Star, Canada - 3 hours ago OTTAWA–Julie Couillard, the woman at the centre of the missing documents scandal that forced Maxime Bernier from his job as foreign affairs minister, ... In an about-face, Couillard refuses to explain Bernier's secret ... Globe and Mail Couillard fears national security charges The Gazette (Montreal) Couillard refuses to testify about Bernier affair The Canadian Press CBC.ca - Canada.com all 54 news articles » A most interesting statement Couillard's lawyer, Jean-C. Hebert, suggested his client may eventually face criminal charges - for unlawfully having official documents in her possession - and that any testimony she gave before the committee could imperil her chances of a fair trial."Lopsided treatment by the committee of the two main witnesses, Mr. Bernier and Ms. Couillard, would seriously distort the requirement for equality of all before the law," he wrote. Followed by comments from the "government" The government has steadfastly maintained that Bernier's relationship with Couillard is a private matter and that there is no security issue New slogan. "OUT TO LUNCH" I wonder where Cote is today? Who has hired him, is he still with the government? Apart from Bernier, Couillard briefly dated a top adviser to Public Works Minister Michael Fortier. Bernard Cote resigned last week after admitting he was involved with Couillard while she was lobbying his department for a land developer I think Mr. Duffy will be talking more about Couillard in the upcoming weeks. Quote
Topaz Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Posted June 17, 2008 I don't know if it Duffy or CTV, but alot of the times, his or their bias show its ugly face on the program in favour of the Cons. As far as Bernier and Julie goes, I`m wondering if she was targeting HIM because he was the minister of Industry before Foreign Affairs and If McKay himself ever met her? Quote
noahbody Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 I`m wondering if she was targeting HIM because he was the minister of Industry before Foreign Affairs and If McKay himself ever met her? I'm wondering if she ever dated Alfonso Gagliano. Quote
madmax Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 I'm wondering if she ever dated Alfonso Gagliano. Or Monte Solberg Federal officials confirmed last night that Ms. Couillard's mother, Diane Bellemare, obtained a federal appointment last August to be a member of the Employment Insurance Boards of Referees, officials said last night. The three-year position was approved through an order-in-council and was made on the recommendation of Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg. Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 Or Monte Solberg It's real simple - IF an Italian Mafia maul had infiltrated the government via sex and black mail..the government would have collapsed...seeing it's an anglo with the Hells frinking Angels I guess it's OK. Quote
Fortunata Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 Federal officials confirmed last night that Ms. Couillard's mother, Diane Bellemare, obtained a federal appointment last August to be a member of the Employment Insurance Boards of Referees, officials said last night.The three-year position was approved through an order-in-council and was made on the recommendation of Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg. Hahaha, Steve must be pulling his hair out. This just gets more and more interesting. I wonder how the Cons are going to justify this one. It could be all one the up and up but it is soooo coincidental. Libs and Bloc have really hit paydirt with Julie Couillard. Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 17, 2008 Report Posted June 17, 2008 Hahaha, Steve must be pulling his hair out. This just gets more and more interesting. I wonder how the Cons are going to justify this one. It could be all one the up and up but it is soooo coincidental. Libs and Bloc have really hit paydirt with Julie Couillard. Conservatism means to conserve what is tried and true and good - I don't see that happening these days..seems there are no conservatives...Neo-Cons are privateers much like those in the days of old who are given licence to plunder...but there is no King or Queen to grant licence..so they grant themselves the right - eg...Hell's Angels = pirates.....Neo-Cons = privateers...same mentality only one is the bigger more established gang..maybe the neo cons are making a truce with the old clan that ride bikes and ship meth. Quote
madmax Posted June 18, 2008 Report Posted June 18, 2008 Hahaha, Steve must be pulling his hair out. This just gets more and more interesting. I wonder how the Cons are going to justify this one. It could be all one the up and up but it is soooo coincidental. Libs and Bloc have really hit paydirt with Julie Couillard. The CPC have downplayed Couillards Mom getting the "part time" position. I want to know how well Monte Solberge new her mom in vocally speaking out on her behalf in order for her to receive the $50,000 job. PART TIME $50,000 Quote
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