THUNDER BAY – The New Democrats are on the attack against Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. Andrew Foulds (Thunder Bay Superior North) and Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty are hosting a press conference this afternoon at the Thunder Bay Airport, just before the arrival of Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.
The New Democrats are on the attack over what the NDP states is the “Liberal lobbying scandal”.
On Friday, NDP National Campaign Director Anne McGrath made the following statement, “This morning, I issued a letter to the Commissioner of Canada Elections asking him to investigate whether the Liberal Party of Canada, Mr. Daniel Gagnier or TransCanada Corporation committed a violation of the Act. Specifically, the NDP is seeking an investigation with respect to Mr. Gagnier’s now-former role as the Liberal Party’s campaign co-chair and his paid position providing advice to TransCanada Corporation with respect to the Energy East pipeline.”
McGrath adds, “The latest revelations make clear that Mr. Trudeau, as the Leader of the Liberal Party, knew about Mr. Gagnier’s activities for some time. He condoned them, until the media and the public found out. Then, he decided they were inappropriate.”
The NDP state that “The Elections Act is clear on what constitutes a prohibited contribution, and what constitutes conspiring to cover-up such a contribution. The facts of this matter keep changing, and it now seems clear that both the Liberal Party of Canada and TransCanada Corporation knew of Mr. Gagnier’s activities for some time. Elections Canada needs to investigate this matter, thoroughly and quickly. Canadians are tired of the same-old scandal and corruption. They are tired of swapping Conservative scandals for Liberal scandals at every election.’’
Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer who is running for the Green Party states, “”It is really discouraging and sad that a decade after the sponsorship scandal, the Liberals haven’t really changed. They continue to cozy up to large corporate friends when they should be concerned about the safety of our environment and with serving the interests of all Canadians.”
The local Liberal campaigns have been asked for comment. The New Democrats will hold a press conference at the Thunder Bay Airport at 3PM EDT on Saturday October 17th to discuss this issue.
