Jump to content

Veteran's Protest


Recommended Posts

Having read in the local paper that a protest by veterans was planned at my local MP's constituency office this morning, I decided to check his twitter blog to see if he had said anything about the issue of compensation for injured veterans:

# On route 2 #Cold Lake for the Brian Storseth & CFB 4 Wing Afterburner Cup. Helping Keep a School Open on the Base #supportourtroops about 1 hour ago via Mobile Web

# At breakfast meeting in St Paul, Alberta with @aliouellet ,MP Brian Storeseth and @blainecalkinsMP about 1 hour ago via Mobile Web

# At Pearson Airport. Enroute to Cold Lake, Alberta for a busy day at the Airforce Base tomorrow about 12 hours ago via Mobile Web

No, and it looks like he's out of town, in fact, in another province, at the time of the protest. It's funny how my MP, Patrick Brown, seems to find the time to show up at every photo opportunity, but when there's a protest, he's conveniently out of town.

I did a search for the term 'Afterburner Cup' and found it's website. According to the website, the 'Afterburner Cup' is a charity hockey game in support of the Art Smith Aviation Academy. (According to the Canada Revenue Agency, the Art Smith Aviation Academy and The Military Families Support Society are not registered charities). When hundreds of his constituents protested against prorogation in January, Patrick Brown was away at another charity hockey game in Peterborough, Ontario.

While I was at the website for the Afterburner Cup, I noticed this line at the bottom of each page:

Content copyright 2010. [email protected]. All rights reserved.

So I went to the website www.promptpolitical.com and found out a little about 'Prompt Political Communications Corp':

Our company is made up of individuals with various levels of experience in politics, government, business, sales, and marketing.

Politically, members of our team have worked for municipal councillors, mayors, MPP’s, MP’s and Ministers of the Federal Government. We are a team that has worked with clients on all sides of the political spectrum and view work in an objective, professional manner. At Prompt our goal is to ensure our clients are elected.

Politicians use Prompt Political Communications for various reasons, including website design and maintenance, media relations, and outgoing constituent communications.

Prompt is available to provide communications support, householders, research, surveys, speech writing, and committee support for Members of Parliament.

For municipal councillors, Prompt is able to provide much of the same work, including website design, letters to the editor, and other essential political services. What we offer you at Prompt is essentially full time political staffers that have experience working for MP’s and Ministers on Parliament Hill, for a price that fits your budget.

At Prompt, we believe it is important to prepare for election now rather than waiting 30 days before election day. By creating a strong presence early on, potential opponents will be less likely to run against you in the next campaign, allowing you to continue the great work you do for your constituents.

Grant Research: After numerous years working in the political system, members of our team have gained knowledge and experience in how to look and apply for government grants. After a brief discussion about your business, we will be able to provide a list of possible government grants, and also offer support during the application process.

With my curiosity piqued, I did a WHOIS search to see who owned the promptpolitical.com domain name:

Registrant:

Matthew Henley

171 Lees Ave

Apartment 309

Ottawa, Ontario K1S5P3

Canada

Registered through: GoDaddy.com, Inc. (http://www.godaddy.com)

Domain Name: PROMPTPOLITICAL.COM

Created on: 23-Feb-09

Expires on: 23-Feb-11

Last Updated on: 24-Feb-10

Administrative Contact:

Henley, Matthew [email protected]

171 Lees Ave

Apartment 309

Ottawa, Ontario K1S5P3

Canada

(613) 818-6896

According to the federal government's electronic directory, Matthew Henley is Member's Assistant to MP Brian Storseth.

The address and phone number listed for Mr. Henley in the domain name registration are the same as those listed on the Contact page at promptpolitical.com (... except is says 'Apartment 309' rather than 'Suite 309').

I don't know whether it's against any of the rules, but it doesn't seem right for an MP's assistant to be moonlighting offering to help businesses get government grants.

While searching I also came across a webpage titled 'QUEBEC CITY 2003 HOMEPAGE!' which seems to be a photo album of the apparently drunken antics of young Mr. Henley and his friends and includes the following captions:

Easy access to the liquor store and bars...Even for minors!!
Meet new and "interesting" people from all over Canada, like this hooch we like to call "Hooker Boots"
Ladies...If you play your cards right it could be you wrapped up in that blanket getting humped by Sam!

With Remembrance Day approaching, I wonder what veteran's would think of some of the people working for our government.

Edited by robert_viera
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The government or the Tory parties wants the Vets to believe thst they really care about the Vets and the soldiers but there ACTIONS are different from what is coming out of their mouths. One Tory reported he would be at his office in his riding to meet the Vets and talk to them. HE was a no-show! http://ckbwnews.blogspot.com/2010/11/keddys-arrogant-absence.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only thing questionable in all this is the potential for illegal influence peddling. There is nothing wrong with helping businesses get grants - IF THEY ARE QUALIFIED - the problem arises when the rules are broken to do this. Actually I 110% advocate for MPs to help local businesses get grants - if they arn't breaking the law to do it.

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/icg-gci/po-cp/page04.html

"The Criminal Code prohibits influence peddling not only by government officials but also by anyone who has or pretends to have influence with the government or with a Minister"

Further:

In addition to possible imprisonment, anyone convicted of influence peddling under the Criminal Code, whether claiming to have influence or buying influence, also faces administrative sanctions. These individuals are subsequently prohibited from contracting with the government or receiving any benefit under a contract between the government and any other person[33]. Furthermore, they are permanently banned from holding office in government[34]. These sanctions can be lifted only if the individual obtains a pardon or if the restoration of his or her contractual rights is found to be in the best interests of the public[35].

MPs are suppose to be there to help their constituents interact with government process, and remove red tape and fill knowledge gaps on how government functions - we shouldn't require a lawyer to help us get basic government services that tax dollars are paying for.

As far as minors access to alcohol - the whole thing is whose your Daddy - GoDaddy...

none the less What someone was up to in 2003 does not equate what they are up to 7 years later, people change values can change. If any minors were humped then it could then be a much more serious issue rather than bad value judgments.

It's not like its coke - how old is Young Mr. Henley - is there a more than 2 year age difference.

The influence peddling - within government could be seen as issued - but only if it actually breaks the law - isn't that what a political party is anyway.... working together to achieve common objectives. True this is second rate to achieving common objectives that benefit society as a whole.

Drunken antics in youth are not abnormal.

Oh but the illegal entry could be criminal, there is no statute of limitation for indictable offences in Canada - summary is generally 6 months.

CC175 is only a summary conviction so it probably isn't merited u more than a half a year later unless a valid argument can be made for reason for a delay in bringing the case before the court. OR the defendant agrees.

http://www.efc.ca/pages/law/cc/cc.175.html

CC177 is also summary

http://www.efc.ca/pages/law/cc/cc.177.html

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

MPs are suppose to be there to help their constituents interact with government process, and remove red tape and fill knowledge gaps on how government functions - we shouldn't require a lawyer to help us get basic government services that tax dollars are paying for.

If it's an MP's job to help businesses get government grants, and it's the MP's assistant's job to assist the MP, is there not a conflict if the assistant is operating a business that offers services which overlap with his job as an MP's assistant?

Is the assistant charging for a service he would otherwise perform for no charge as an MP's assistant?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it's an MP's job to help businesses get government grants

They ought to help them with explaining the process directing them to the right places - things a lawyer might do. A good MP would, it is not a requirement of their job.

and it's the MP's assistant's job to assist the MP, is there not a conflict if the assistant is operating a business that offers services which overlap with his job as an MP's assistant?

It depends. Are you asking me ethically or legally? Ethics matter to a certain extent also.

But 1. Their job as assistant is delegated by their boss, the MP.

2. Their business as an individual is delegated by themself.

People in every walk of life can hold more than one source of employment - there is no law saying people can't have multiple occupations.

The problem comes with influence peddling - -- and also illegal lobbying.

Is he a registered lobbyist for instance?

If not him approaching anyone in government for the purposes after being paid to advance someones cause could be considered illegal lobbying.

There might be a conflict of interest in acting in his personal business while in the role of assistant to the MP.

While it strictly would not be unethical, it would likely create potential issues - for instance a declared conflict of interest may be anything involving any of his clients -that is he could not deal with any of his clients while in the role as assistant, and could not deal with any of the MP related people in regard to his business.

I can only guess though that while it would be determined by his employment contract, and the laws relating to political aides, and their ability to moonlight.

The probability for influence peddling seems very high from the website I veiwed, we both have seen it.. perhaps it should be backed up from the google cache.

None the less

http://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/pdfs/LegislativeAssistantsCareerGuide.pdf

http://www.dwatch.ca/camp/actsystem.htm

I'm actually pretty tired and sick right now-- recovering from jetlag and I have a nasty cold so it is difficult for me to build a full reply. To answer breifly

It could be. We don't know if anyone actually contacted him.

EXCEPT...

his MP paid him --- outside of his job as assistant - potentially from government office funds to him personally through his business --- that is a funnel, and very much illegal --- if it is work he could have performed as the MP's assistant... but we don't know this.... but it is pretty iffy,, not only for the aid... but for the MP also.. there was an interrelationship going on....

but this is not much different than employing someone who sings on the corner, then paying them seperately for singing even though they could sing for you with just the salary you are paying to them in the other job.. but this is only if the MP is their client but also their employer.... but we don't know that he was paid or paid to take part in the hockey game or what have you. It is definitely potentially a funnel. As stated though I'm under the weather at the moment.

Is the assistant charging for a service he would otherwise perform for no charge as an MP's assistant?

I hear what you are saying this is problematic to answer and might relate to hours, salary based employment - on call status.. it would likely relate to the employment contract.

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it's an MP's job to help businesses get government grants

They ought to help them with explaining the process directing them to the right places - things a lawyer might do. A good MP would, it s not a requirement of their job.

and it's the MP's assistant's job to assist the MP, is there not a conflict if the assistant is operating a business that offers services which overlap with his job as an MP's assistant?

It depends. Are you asking me ethically or legally? Ethics matter to a certain extent also.

But 1. Their job as assistant is delegated by their boss, the MP.

2. Their business as an individual is delegated by themself.

People in every walk of life can hold more than one source of employment - there is no law saying people can't have multiple occupations.

The problem comes with influence peddling - -- and also illegal lobbying.

Is he a registered lobbyist for instance?

If not him approaching anyone in government for the purposes after being paid to advance someones cause could be considered illegal lobbying.

There might be a conflict of interest in acting in his personal business while in the role of assistant to the MP.

While it strictly would not be unethical, it would likely create potential issues - for instance a declared conflict of interest may be anything involving any of his clients -that is he could not deal with any of his clients while in the role as assistant, and could not deal with any of the MP related people in regard to his business. -- More so if his business offered confidentiality it would be impossible because he could not declare conflicts.. likewise if the privacy act was applicable to his dealing with the MP, he could not run his business due to confidentiality and non disclosure if there was a board registration of the business. that is non sole propreitry.. and even if not it might become questionable but it would not be 100% impossible but this would depend on the laws and the liabilities present to the government, or individuals involved, such as suit for breach of confidentiality with clients. If there was no confidentiality then it might be workable for his business - but he could not disclose anything from his role as assistant. It is potentially problematic, but I would have to reexamine the business model to say for sure, as well as employment contracts, and funds exchanges and types of dealings undertaken.

I can only guess though that while it would be determined by his employment contract, and the laws relating to political aides, and their ability to moonlight.

The probability for influence peddling seems very high from the website I veiwed, we both have seen it.. perhaps it should be backed up from the google cache.

None the less

http://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/pdfs/LegislativeAssistantsCareerGuide.pdf

http://www.dwatch.ca/camp/actsystem.htm

I'm actually pretty tired and sick right now-- recovering from jetlag and I have a nasty cold so it is difficult for me to build a full reply. To answer breifly

It could be. We don't know if anyone actually contacted him.

EXCEPT...

his MP paid him --- outside of his job as assistant - potentially from government office funds to him personally through his business --- that is a funnel, and very much illegal --- if it is work he could have performed as the MP's assistant... but we don't know this.... but it is pretty iffy,, not only for the aid... but for the MP also.. there was an interrelationship going on....

but this is not much different than employing someone who sings on the corner, then paying them seperately for singing even though they could sing for you with just the salary you are paying to them in the other job.. but this is only if the MP is their client but also their employer.... but we don't know that he was paid or paid to take part in the hockey game or what have you. It is definitely potentially a funnel. As stated though I'm under the weather at the moment.

Is the assistant charging for a service he would otherwise perform for no charge as an MP's assistant?

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is the google caches.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Ysk9T8kDUrgJ:www.promptpolitical.com/+www.promptpolitical.com&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQIDAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebcache.googleusercontent.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dcache%3AJQTjIV00-dQJ%3Awww.promptpolitical.ca%2FPoliticians.html%2Bhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FPoliticians.html%26cd%3D1%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dca&rct=j&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FPoliticians.html&ei=Ry3fTKaNF4rFnAe1w_y-Dw&usg=AFQjCNFpJMvdojPOyHdoQpXK4VLi-_qltQ&sig2=l1U_XaHRf1s7XyZvWd15ug&cad=rja

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQIDAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebcache.googleusercontent.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dcache%3AReCmeFiNQDgJ%3Awww.promptpolitical.ca%2FBusiness.html%2Bhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FBusiness.html%26cd%3D1%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dca&rct=j&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FBusiness.html&ei=ZC3fTJTcNIadnAe0pYnnDw&usg=AFQjCNFdAMYwEED93WoUsteiNYT4GWJslw&sig2=hYnEBY4ONSPK-EioI_1nPA&cad=rja

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBoQIDAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebcache.googleusercontent.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dcache%3AReCmeFiNQDgJ%3Awww.promptpolitical.ca%2FBusiness.html%2Bhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FIndividuals.html%26cd%3D1%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dca&rct=j&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FIndividuals.html&ei=gy3fTJORGYe-sAO_7oiUCg&usg=AFQjCNEtS_Ac0XOd0BOSCQBwAXkdyghIpw&sig2=GaICd-VLXszHT04o2-pJiA&cad=rja

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQIDAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebcache.googleusercontent.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dcache%3Adv5ri_kZkZgJ%3Awww.promptpolitical.ca%2FContact_Us.html%2Bhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FContact_Us.html%26cd%3D1%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dca&rct=j&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.promptpolitical.ca%2FContact_Us.html&ei=ni3fTMnpG8HsngeEjLypDw&usg=AFQjCNEtTpJT2l9QCUnlp5TZpe4cd0P3jQ&sig2=y79xvc7TqjVliLmgYFzPCw&cad=rja

This is almost self incriminating to see

http://www.promptpolitical.ca/

Hacked, something else.. who knows.. maybe someone should contact the cops or something and be sure to leave a note with someone saying if I don't come back post to mapleleafweb saying I havn't returned.

See also:

http://www.talios.com/howo_use_google_cache_as_a_backup_engine.htm

Isn't there some whistle blower person or something, or is that only for federal employees?

http://ciec-ccie.gc.ca/

this person probably knows

[email protected]

ps I just sent an email to as the ethics commissioner.. lets see if I get a response.

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The website for the Afterburner Cup (www.afterburnercup.ca) also seems to have been taken down. It has been replaced with the same 'COMING SOON' message.

It is still cached:

How do you know these are really his websites and not a false registration set up? Wonder if the registrar still has the IP cache, and if the guy used his office or personal computer to launch the site? or hired someone to make it.

Google caches can be useful for things like this I suppose.

I did see the first site so I know its not google playing games.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CBwQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterburnercup.ca%2FThe_Charity.html&rct=j&q=www.afterburnercup.ca&ei=N1_gTOySPM3OnAe605SnBA&usg=AFQjCNFLYKkWYzuMWtuBzu_xoMvHe7RKvQ&sig2=ze2MI2GUNxjpn8MRd0wadg&cad=rja

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CCMQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterburnercup.ca%2FThe_Game.html&rct=j&q=www.afterburnercup.ca&ei=TV7gTOaSDcWcnAfv9fz5Dw&usg=AFQjCNHb26dXiqz_PcQLP6jkgsEaZPaULA&sig2=XG4HLA7kmDQ0e3cmhkc4YA&cad=rja

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

How do you know these are really his websites and not a false registration set up?

How do you know they're not? The registration for promptpolitical.com lists Mr. Henley as the registrant. The Afterburner Cup website contained a message at the bottom of each page that said it was copyright '[email protected]'. The Afterburner Cup's website is advertised on MP Brian Storseth's website.

I think you're really stretching to come up with a conspiracy theory to explain what's happened. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How do you know they're not?

I don't. I'm always on the side of evidence rather than anything I could manage to do myself to frame another person.

The registration for promptpolitical.com lists Mr. Henley as the registrant. The Afterburner Cup website contained a message at the bottom of each page that said it was copyright '[email protected]'. The Afterburner Cup's website is advertised on MP Brian Storseth's website.

Yes and I can set up that website - who knows if the actual business registered a website? I don't know the guy personally I've never been able to verify his email. If I was an investigator I might see this as valid for a warrant for more information to be collected. Unfortunately, I'm not, so our magical journey likely ends at the magical godaddy barrier. For instance do you have any reocrds, tax filings, corporate filings, etc.. etc..

I think you're really stretching to come up with a conspiracy theory to explain what's happened. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

I've been conspired against before, I tend to be critical of information until sufficient evidence exists to substantiate an act, or a confession there to.

I've had an inside view of knowing what has actually happened in court situations, and how a case is presented so I'm very critical of the whole process.

If I were a judge I'd definitely OK search warrants or a court order to have godaddy and anyone who he is using as his service provider, any other email accounts, and what not, turn over access and use logs, emails, other records, etc... I wouldn't be at the point to issue an arrest warrant, but I would probably put him under surveillance. As well as start questioning people that might be involved such as the MP, other people known to be associated with the business, him etc..

If it is illegal..

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

How do you know they're not?

I don't. I'm always on the side of evidence rather than anything I could manage to do myself to frame another person.

The registration for promptpolitical.com lists Mr. Henley as the registrant. The Afterburner Cup website contained a message at the bottom of each page that said it was copyright '[email protected]'. The Afterburner Cup's website is advertised on MP Brian Storseth's website.

Yes and I can set up that website - who knows if the actual business registered a website? I don't know the guy personally I've never been able to verify his email. If I was an investigator I might see this as valid for a warrant for more information to be collected. Unfortunately, I'm not, so our magical journey likely ends at the magical godaddy barrier. For instance do you have any records, tax filings, corporate filings, etc.. etc..

I think you're really stretching to come up with a conspiracy theory to explain what's happened. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

I've been conspired against before, I tend to be critical of information until sufficient evidence exists to substantiate an act, or a confession there to.

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't. I'm always on the side of evidence rather than anything I could manage to do myself to frame another person.

So you don't have any evidence to support your theory that this might be a frame job?

Doesn't sound like you're on the side of evidence to me.

Instead of questioning the evidence that's been found so far, why don't you produce some evidence to support your theory?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So you don't have any evidence to support your theory that this might be a frame job?

That is correct. Also it is not a theory, it is a concern. Arresting someone is a big disruption in their life and people have the right to innocence until proven guilty by reasonable judgment. Reasonable judgmental should be based on non contested facts or evidence that is strong enough to indicate something is more plausible to have occurred than not.

Like I said I am curious enough to want to obtain more info, but not enough to make an arrest. I'm not a judgmental person with unsubstantiated fact. Website registration is not secure.

Logs when available can give an indication linking physical infrastructure to abstract data. Personal verification, such as being supplied an email or website by the person is another indicator.

I don't think ill of people unless it is verifiable. I am willing to offer comment on things and situations. We have not substantiated the website actually was registered by him. Phished websites are not unheard of.

Doesn't sound like you're on the side of evidence to me.

It is weak evidence, but if you think it is a go lay an information to your local court. The result may just be a botched case, or the JP stating insufficient information, and the guy getting off without penalty. If you are so sure put down the information.

Instead of questioning the evidence that's been found so far, why don't you produce some evidence to support your theory?

Because it is a private concern and we are both private citizens. You require a license for private investigation in Ontario. If I was a judge/justice of the peace I would authorize as stated above via a search warrant, if it was demonstrated illegal, an attempt to verify the evidence presented.

There is also no verifiable threat to public safety, so I don't see why an arrest would even be issued, but this would be more so a show cause situation at best.

Getting a statement from the guy might be a good start, is his email still working for his website? Perhaps a joke at the wrong time. I can only guess evidence is being destroyed as we speak if it is real, judging by how soon after the events the website was taken down.

Go daddy may be the only one at this point to give evidence. And I know it can take a few days for godaddy to respond to an illegal registration claim. They have a process for doing this, so it appears to be a self site takedown. I still havn't been able to link the website to the guy until I can see where it was made from.

Or there are people who somehow connect him to the website.

I'm not sure if you have ever set up a website, but there is no difficulty in providing false registration info.

http://thevandalnextdoordeaththreatsandmore.asar-intl.com/laying%20charges.html

This webpage actually is a pretty good example here. Chances are the courts may not allow you to act as a special prosecutor but your heart seems to be in it.

http://communitylink.cioc.ca/record/BAR0820

The other option is to contact the police with your concerns, as the inside handling of things like this tends to go as fast as they would like it to. People tend to place a larger weight on police information it seems, as soon as you slap down an information they might even refer to you as constable.

Edited by William Ashley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Tell a friend

    Love Repolitics.com - Political Discussion Forums? Tell a friend!
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      10,714
    • Most Online
      1,403

    Newest Member
    wopsas
    Joined
  • Recent Achievements

    • Jeary earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Venandi went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • Gaétan earned a badge
      Very Popular
    • Dictatords earned a badge
      First Post
    • babetteteets earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...