$9 Million Parliament Renovation Contract Given to Tory Friendly

[Topaz]

Is minister Paradis lying when he said in the Commons that he didn't talk to Sauve about the renovation contract? Sauve said he was watching Paradis in QP and was shocked to hear him say no, he didn't talk about it. Sauve says he did for about 4-5 minutes. I like to see a rule that memebers when asked a question aren't allowed to tell a lie and they do it all the time in the House. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/101007/national/reno_deal_probed

[Rick]

It certainly appears that Minister Paradis is indeed lying. When one looks at the numerous, lengthy ties that Sauvin has to the Conservative party, there's no doubt in my mind he is guilty on some level.

The question now is, is Minister Paradis guilty or party to a criminal offence and why hasn't Prime Minister Harper removed him from caucus pending the RCMP's investigation.

[madmax]

Harper Conservatives, Meet the McGuinty Liberals.

With Reform Gone, it looks like the NDP have picked up the slack in keeping an eye on these questionable if not illegal government backroom deals.

While I am not surprised that the McGuinty Liberals are in up to their necks, I never expected anything different from them.

Unfortuneately this band of Conservatives are reminding me of Mulroney Conservatives (and the resulting rise of Reform). The only difference is, I expected this from Mulroney, and this current government is hypocritical and has betrayed half their roots.

[madmax]

The question now is, is Minister Paradis guilty or party to a criminal offence and why hasn't Prime Minister Harper removed him from caucus pending the RCMP's investigation.

Good Question.

[madmax]

The fundraiser was after the contract, no problem there.

There's nothing here, it's all about making hay out of nothing, because the opposition has nothing else to offer.

Herein lies the problem

We need more watchdogs, not lapdogs

[Topaz]

Each day the press finds more...... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/spector-vision/details-surface-on-3-additional-parliament-hill-reno-contracts/article1751207/

[scribblet]

So far there is no proof or evidence of any conservative MP's involvement, maybe we should wait for some facts rather than innuendo. As as the article said:

Media reports are wrongly stating that Gilles Varin is a long-time organiser, member and donor of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Here are the facts:

This individual is not a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. In fact, we have no records of him ever being a member of our party.

This individual is not and has not been an organizer of the Conservative Party of Canada.

This individual has been an occasional donor to both the Conservative Party of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Conservative Ministers have had great fun this week pointing out that the Liberal who received the donation from Mr. Varin was none other than Denis Coderre, who, in his typical full throat delivery--had been leading the charge against Mr. Paradis in Question Period. It’s not clear that they’ll have as much fun next week, if allegations buried in a CP report filed last night prove out:

[capricorn]

Each day the press finds more...... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/spector-vision/details-surface-on-3-additional-parliament-hill-reno-contracts/article1751207/

And each day, we await the outcome of the RCMP probe to get to the truth.

---

Some interesting facts are coming out regarding the bankrupt Paul Sauve. Working on the Hill has seemingly given him a taste for public life. His preference? To run for the Liberals in Outremont.

Avant de se dire victime de la mafia et des Hells Angels, Paul Sauvé, l'entrepreneur au centre de la présumée histoire d'extorsion à l'Hôtel de ville de Montréal, désirait se présenter candidat libéral dans Outremont.

Selon ce que le Journal a appris, le président de l'entreprise en faillite LM Sauvé avait confié à plusieurs personnes, dont quelques ténors libéraux, qu'il songeait à se présenter à l'investiture du Parti libéral du Canada pour le comté d'Outremont.

Il a rencontré le lieutenant politique de Michael Ignatieff au Québec, Denis Coderre, pour lui faire part de ses intentions. M. Coderre, qui ignorait tout des liens de Paul Sauvé avec le crime organisé, l'aurait encouragé à vendre des cartes de membres comme d'autres candidats à l'investiture.

En entrevue à l'émission Puisqu'il faut se lever au 98,5 FM, l'entrepreneur n'a pas nié. Il a dit avoir eu la piqûre alors qu'il effectuait des travaux de rénovation sur l'édifice du parlement fédéral.

«J'ai goûté à l'expérience de joindre la colline à toutes les semaines et j'ai fait sorte (sic) de parler à mon entourage de cette ambition-là, a-t-il dit à Paul Arcand. Mais dans le moment, la priorité, ce n'est pas de poursuivre une carrière dans ce sens-là, mais plutôt de m'assurer d'abord que la crédibilité [...] soit rétablie.»

http://fr.canoe.ca/infos/societe/archives/2009/06/20090618-082900.html

Google translation below (which leaves a lot to be desired but the gist is at least comprehensible}.

http://fr.canoe.ca/infos/societe/archives/2009/06/20090618-082900.html

And this.

The contractor admitted to having left a valid member of the Hells Angels, Normand "Casper" Ouimet, take control of his company to solve problems in its contracts, including the re-roofing of City Hall Montreal. He also argued that a member of the mafia would have requested a payment of $ 40 000 for two councilmen to unlock its business. Both elected and Sammy Forcillo Cosmo Maciocia, denied these allegations block.

More slime uncovered within the construction industry in Quebec.

[Rick]

So far there is no proof or evidence of any conservative MP's involvement, maybe we should wait for some facts rather than innuendo. As as the article said:

I couldn't help but notice that you selectively chose to quote the Conservatives talking points and label them as facts from that article.

When you could well have quoted these facts:

Norman Glouberman, of the Arcop Group, contributed $500 to the Conservative constituency association of the Montreal riding of Bourassa on January 22, 2009…Julia Gersovitz, of Fournier Gersovitz, Moss and Associates, contributed $500 the same day….Finally, Joseph Broccolini, of Broccolini Construction, also contributed $500 on the same date.” That same date would be the date of the famous fundraising cocktail party that Mr. Sauve organized and minister Christian Paradis attended—and where Mr. Paradis now acknowledges he congratulated Mr. Sauve on obtaining the lucrative contract.

Perhaps these contributions by three successful contractors on the same date—a date that coincides with a Conservative fund-raiser--are simply coincidental. However, it’s also noteworthy, as Ms. Buzzetti points out, that the three individuals made no contributions to any other political party in these years.

“Sauve said Varin served as chief of staff to Marcel Masse, a cabinet minister in Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government.

And he said Mr. Varin was so well connected to the Conservatives that he knew Mr. Paradis was going to replace Michael Fortier as public works minister weeks before it happened in June 2008. That was around the time the department awarded LM Sauve the renovation contract.

Elections Canada records show that Sauve donated $1,100 on Jan. 26, 2009, to the Conservative riding association in Bourassa, and gave $1,000 to Tory candidate Hubert Pichet in La Pointe-de-l'Ile.”

That would be the same Hubert Pichet who served for a time as Mr. Mulroney’s Executive Assistant. Who was one of the organizers of the event in Montreal to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mr. Mulroney’s 1984 election sweep—an event where Stephen Harper and his ministers began to make up with Mr. Mulroney after the 2007 ban on any dealings with him while the Oliphant commission was looking into the former prime minister’s dealings with Karlheinz Schreiber. And who, while working for Senator Pierre-Claude Nolin--(appointed to the senate by Mr. Mulroney and pictured here with Mr. Varin)--had an “impromptu” meeting with the same Mr. Varin at Le Mas des Oliviers (a fine restaurant well-frequented for many years by Conservatives), during which the matter of the contract of interest to Mr. Sauve was discussed.

[scribblet]

I couldn't help but notice that you selectively chose to quote the Conservatives talking points and label them as facts from that article.

When you could well have quoted these facts:

Facts - how do you know they are 'facts', so far we don't know that any conservative MP has been involved.

[Rick]

Facts - how do you know they are 'facts', so far we don't know that any conservative MP has been involved.

Well I do know that they are 'facts' because they are documented records.

Unlike your definition of Conservative talking points as 'facts'

Interesting how you would now defend these types of actions given that during the Liberals sponsership scandal there was no Liberal MP's involved.

Double standards scribblet?

Edited October 9, 2010 by Rick

[capricorn]

I couldn't help but notice that you selectively chose to quote the Conservatives talking points and label them as facts from that article.

When you could well have quoted these facts:

Norman Glouberman, of the Arcop Group, contributed $500 to the Conservative constituency association of the Montreal riding of Bourassa on January 22, 2009…Julia Gersovitz, of Fournier Gersovitz, Moss and Associates, contributed $500 the same day….Finally, Joseph Broccolini, of Broccolini Construction, also contributed $500 on the same date.” That same date would be the date of the famous fundraising cocktail party that Mr. Sauve organized and minister Christian Paradis attended—and where Mr. Paradis now acknowledges he congratulated Mr. Sauve on obtaining the lucrative contract.

Perhaps these contributions by three successful contractors on the same date—a date that coincides with a Conservative fund-raiser--are simply coincidental. However, it’s also noteworthy, as Ms. Buzzetti points out, that the three individuals made no contributions to any other political party in these years.

Gee Rick, a fundraiser is held and donations are made, who would have thunk? And honestly, does anybody think $500.00 will buy you a multi-million dollar contract with the feds? It does though, get them a tax deduction. I mean, the least these well off businessmen should have contributed is the maximum amount allowed, i.e. $1,100.00. What a bunch of cheapskates.

[capricorn]

so far we don't know that any conservative MP has been involved.

Speaking of facts.

The Canadian Press has learned Public Works fired an employee last year after an internal probe revealed he helped a construction company land a lucrative job on Parliament Hill.

The matter came up in the House of Commons last December when an opposition MP asked then-public works minister Christian Paradis about an investigation within his department into the West Block contract.

Paradis responded that the results of the investigation would be made public. Two days later, the department posted a brief summary of the West Block probe. A Public Works spokeswoman confirmed this week the summary is related to Paradis' answer in the Commons.

The Public Works investigation found the worker's "relationship with a private sector firm" led to "favouritism in awarding that firm contracts." The employee no longer works for the department, and Public Works says it is reviewing the company's contracts "to ensure the Crown received value for money."

http://www.canadaeast.com/front/article/1254690

Edited October 9, 2010 by capricorn

[Rick]

Gee Rick, a fundraiser is held and donations are made, who would have thunk? And honestly, does anybody think $500.00 will buy you a multi-million dollar contract with the feds? It does though, get them a tax deduction. I mean, the least these well off businessmen should have contributed is the maximum amount allowed, i.e. $1,100.00. What a bunch of cheapskates.

Donations, another word could be bribes. Perhaps with payoffs to the Conservatives to follow?

We all know how these things work capricorn and whether it be the Conservatives Airbus scandal or the Liberals sponsorship previous to this, it's not acceptable.

[capricorn]

Donations, another word could be bribes. Perhaps with payoffs to the Conservatives to follow?

Could be and perhaps don't amount to facts of definitive and proven actions by the Conservatives. You've decided that the Conservative Party has engaged in criminal behaviour, end of story. I think the more rational approach would be to take this one step at a time and see what the RCMP probe uncovers.

We all know how these things work capricorn

We? Who are you speaking for Rick. As far as I know I am talking to only one person here. Why don't you share with me your knowledge of "how these things work"? You seem quite knowledgeable about it and I might learn a thing or two.

and whether it be the Conservatives Airbus scandal or the Liberals sponsorship previous to this, it's not acceptable.

It's deplorable whenever taxpayers money is used to grease somebody's pockets and those caught doing so should be prosecuted. But in the situation at hand, I cannot agree that this government's conduct is unacceptable on the basis of a few media stories and hyperventilating by the opposition. I repeat, the rational reaction is to let the authorities do their job and see where the findings lead us.

[nicky10013]

This is starting to stink.

While Prime Minister Stephen Harper has kept himself well away from answering questions on this affair, Conservative spokespersons have gone to great lengths to distance the government from Mr. Varin. Here, for example, are the talking points Conservative MPs received on Wednesday, under the heading “Correcting the record on Gilles Varin” — the man alleged to have received the $140,000 from Mr. Sauve:

"Media reports are wrongly stating that Gilles Varin is a long-time organiser, member and donor of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Here are the facts:

This individual is not a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. In fact, we have no records of him ever being a member of our party.

This individual is not and has not been an organizer of the Conservative Party of Canada.

This individual has been an occasional donor to both the Conservative Party of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Conservative Ministers have had great fun this week pointing out that the Liberal who received the donation from Mr. Varin was none other than Denis Coderre, who, in his typical full throat delivery — had been leading the charge against Mr. Paradis in Question Period. It’s not clear that they’ll have as much fun next week, if allegations buried in a CP report filed last night prove out:

“Sauve said Varin served as chief of staff to Marcel Masse, a cabinet minister in Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government.

And he said Mr. Varin was so well connected to the Conservatives that he knew Mr. Paradis was going to replace Michael Fortier as public works minister weeks before it happened in June 2008. That was around the time the department awarded LM Sauve the renovation contract.

Elections Canada records show that Sauve donated $1,100 on Jan. 26, 2009, to the Conservative riding association in Bourassa, and gave $1,000 to Tory candidate Hubert Pichet in La Pointe-de-l'Ile.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/second-reading/spector-vision/is-scandal-brewing-in-a-mulroney-era-reunion/article1751207/

Edited October 10, 2010 by nicky10013

[Rick]

This illustrates the importance of having a vigorous, diligent press with access to information at the highest levels, something our present government appears loath to accommodate. Now we see a small indication of why.

Indeed.

One would think after sponsorship that the Conservatives would have learned that appointing a Quebecor to the portfolio of Public Works is a corruption scandal just waiting to happen. However, given the arrogance of the current government, they probably thought they were too smart to be caught.

[capricorn]

One would think after sponsorship that the Conservatives would have learned that appointing a Quebecor to the portfolio of Public Works is a corruption scandal just waiting to happen.

I gather you mean Quebecer and not Quebecor Inc. the company.

Rick, do you think all Quebec MPs from all political parties are corrupt?

[Shakeyhands]

Not looking good for Paradis at all... He'll be booted from caucus now for sure, the optics on this are way worse than on Helena. Not sure how Stevie can look past this tidbit.

Paradis now admits he discussed government business at fundraiser

[Topaz]

I really think that there should be a law in the House of Commons, that you can't tell a lie! A minister of Canada stood up and told a lie! One of the reforms should be is about respecting the House and always tell the truth or say no comment.

[Rick]

I really think that there should be a law in the House of Commons, that you can't tell a lie! A minister of Canada stood up and told a lie! One of the reforms should be is about respecting the House and always tell the truth or say no comment.

Agreed.

But then we'd never hear or get a word of information from this Conservative government.

[Rick]

Construction bosses involved in a controversial contract to renovate Parliament Hill's West Block are being called to Ottawa.

The tendering process for the nearly $1-billion project to repair the West Block of Parliament began in 2007. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)A parliamentary committee will study the contracts to determine whether there was political interference and favouritism.

Opposition MPs, who hold the majority on the committee, voted in favour of a motion to explore the allegations.

The Conservatives voted against the proposal, which was initiated by the Bloc Québécois.

The committee also adopted an NDP motion calling on the government to impose a moratorium on all future renovation contracts for the Parliament buildings until MPs have completed their work.

The tendering process for the nearly $1 billion project to repair the West Block of Parliament began in 2007.

Among those being called before the committee are Christian Paradis and ex-Conservative minister Michael Fortier. Both previously held the public works portfolio in the Harper government.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/10/19/parliament-construction-contracts.html#ixzz12pX4RNPs

Any bets on how the Conservatives will subvert this committee by refusing to show up, testify or obstructing it?

[Jerry J. Fortin]

Any bets on how the Conservatives will subvert this committee by refusing to show up, testify or obstructing it?

No but isn't that question just about the perfect thing to have as an initial referendum in this country working its way towards its democratic evolution.

[E James]

No but isn't that question just about the perfect thing to have as an initial referendum in this country working its way towards its democratic evolution.

I am sorry working its way toward what?

[msdogfood]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/construction-firm-president-hosted-tory-minister-at-fundraiser/article1745670/

How hell can Public Works be so stupid???!.