Posted by Ian Bron
News Summary and Comment:
The scandal in Quebec over allegations of corrupt provincial judicial appointments process continues to make headlines as the originator of the allegations, former Quebec Justice Minister Marc Bellemare, testifies at the Bastarache inquiry. Bellemare has been grilled by government lawyers (who are, in essence, being paid for by the taxpayers to defend Premier Jean Charest) but stood his ground. It’s widely accepted by the Quebec public that Bellemare is telling truth – probably because his accusations dovetail nicely with what they already believe about politics in general and Quebec politics specifically. But for most corrupt provincial government, they’ll really have to take a back seat to P.E.I., which unsurprisingly recently rejected whistleblower protection.
In another story, the Board of a small and largely unknown Crown Corporation, Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridge Inc., cleared several of its members of a clear and obvious violation of its own code of ethics. So much for accountability.
Have a great weekend.
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Former Quebec Minister Gives More Explosive Testimony on Judicial Appointments
Board of Crown Corporation Clears Itself of Obvious Ethical Violation
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Former Quebec Minister Gives Explosive Testimony on Judicial Appointments
Ex-Quebec minister Marc Bellemare stands by influence-peddling claims
Globe and Mail, August 30, 2010
Summary: Former Quebec justice minister Marc Bellemare withstood a tough cross-examination at the Bastarache commission on Monday, holding firm to his previous testimony that Premier Jean Charest approved influence-peddling in the nomination of judges in the province.
Marc Bellemare’s credibility attacked at Bastarache cross-examination
Globe and Mail, August 31, 2010
Summary: The cross-examination of Marc Bellemare at the Bastarache commission has taken a personal turn, as Premier Jean Charest’s lawyer brought up the subject of the former justice minister’s daughter, whose investigation for possible links to Hells Angels members almost forced his resignation two days after he was sworn into cabinet, in 2003.
Charest more interested in F1: Bellemare
The Gazette (Montreal), September 1, 2010
Summary: Premier Jean Charest was not particularly interested in justice issues, let alone the names of candidates for the bench, ex-Quebec justice minister Marc Bellemare testified yesterday.
Bellemare’s targets will respond, Liberal lawyer says
The Gazette (Montreal), September 2, 2010
Summary: Marc Bellemare was granted the status of full participant at the Bastarache commission into the appointment of Quebec judges yesterday. The change, from witness status, will allow the ex-justice minister to better fend off the attacks his foes are promising in the weeks ahead.
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Board of Crown Corporation Clears Itself of Obvious Ethical Violation
Crown corp board clears itself over participation in Tory fundraiser
Winnipeg Free Press, September 1, 2010
Summary: The board of a federal Crown corporation studied the conduct of its own directors after they attended a Conservative fundraiser and then quietly decided this summer they had not breached internal rules that bar political activities.
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