Tag: bureaucratic accountability

Media Update for September 2, 2010

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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Media Update for August 26, 2010

Posted by Ian Bron

News Summary and Comment:

First off, apologies for the second pause in my postings, again due to technical difficulties. There hasn’t been a lot of accountability news related to whistleblowing lately in any event, this being the dog days of summer.

My first story today pertains to the testimony of former Quebec Justice Minister Marc Bellemare, in which he essentially accused Premier Jean Charest of corruption in the appointment of judges. Bellemare came out with these accusations some months ago, so they aren’t new, although this is the first time he’s been so descriptive and blunt. This is going to be a hard slog for him. If he’s telling the truth, he’s a whistleblower. The public seems to buy it, but the current government won’t stop at anything to try to discredit him. He may have trouble, like many whistleblowers, finding people to support him. Of course, he might just be nuts, throwing wild accusations around. I doubt it, but we’ll see.

The second story returns us to the treatment of Canadian veterans, particularly those with wounds. Much criticism has been levelled at bureaucrats in the Department of Veterans Affairs and other parts of government by the Veteran’s ombudsman. He wanted to name key decision-makers behind the current deeply flawed compensation regime at a press conference, but backed down on that – for now. I can imagine the panicked discussions that were held when he made the threat, though. Bureaucrats that make unethical decisions do like their anonymity, and may just have wondered what whether some of these trained soldiers, sailors and airmen might not have sought them out personally. Ah, scenes I’d like to see.

There’s also a story on the runaway spending of senior bureaucrats in the federal government, and some interesting blog posts on open and transparent government.

Have a good weekend.

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Former Minister Gives Explosive Testimony on Judicial Appointments

Controversy on Treatment of Wounded Veterans

Travel and Hospitality Expenses of Federal Bureaucrats Keeps Climbing

On Transparency and Open Government

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Former Minister Gives Explosive Testimony on Judicial Appointments

In about-face, Bellemare says he will testify at inquiry into judges’ nominations
Globe and Mail, August 12, 2010
Summary: It’s become a nasty saga replete with allegations of influence peddling, reports of police surveillance, and two former allies-turned-adversaries. And on Thursday, Quebec’s summertime political potboiler took another surprising twist.

Bellemare gives explosive testimony against Charest
National Post, August 24, 2010
Summary: Quebec Premier Jean Charest personally ordered his former justice minister to name two people to the bench because a party fundraiser wanted them to be made judges, Marc Bellemare testified on Tuesday.

Charest told me to keep quiet: Bellemare
National Post, August 26, 2010
Summary: Marc Bellemare said on Wednesday that Quebec Premier Jean Charest told him to keep quiet about the rigging of judicial nominations the day the former justice minister announced he was resigning in 2004.

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Controversy on Treatment of Wounded Veterans

Veterans advocate won’t go quietly
Globe and Mail, August 17, 2010
Summary: The Veterans Ombudsman isn’t the first watchdog Stephen Harper has gotten rid of, but he is certainly the loudest. Claiming he was mere “window dressing” for an “obstructive and deceptive” bureaucracy, Pat Stogran promised veterans Tuesday he would use his remaining three months on the job making sure “Canadians know how badly so many of you are being treated.”

Minister promises action on compensation for wounded veterans
The Star (Toronto), August 19, 2010
Summary: Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn insists his government is not trying to shortchange wounded veterans and said he’s open to changes to how disabled soldiers are compensated for their injuries.

‘Penny-pinching’ claims in veterans affairs to go under Commons microscope
Winnipeg Free Press, August 20, 2010
Summary: Opposition MPs plan to force another House of Commons committee to return early from summer break to review the impending departure of the first-ever veterans ombudsman.

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Travel and Hospitality Expenses of Federal Bureaucrats Keeps Climbing

High-flying civil servants: Why bureaucrats’ travel and entertainment costs keep soaring
Macleans, August 25, 2010
Summary: An examination of the ever-rising amounts spent on travel and hospitality in the federal public service.

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On Transparency and Open Government

Creating effective open government portals
eaves.ca, August 25, 2010
Summary: In the past few years a number of governments have launched open data portals. These sites, like www.data.gov or data.vancouver.ca share data – in machine readable formats (e.g. that you can play with on your computer) that government agencies collect. Increasingly, people approach me and ask: what makes for a good open data portal? Great question. (Blog)

How Science Is Rediscovering “Open” And What It Means For Government
eaves.ca, August 18, 2010
Summary: Pretty much everybody in government should read this fantastic New York Times article Sharing of Data Leads to Progress on Alzheimer’s. On one hand the article is a window into what has gone wrong with science – about how all to frequently a process that used to be competitive but open, and problem focused has become a competitive but closed and intellectual property driven (one need only look at scientific journals to see how slow and challenging the process has become). (Blog)

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Media Update for July 22, 2010

Posted by Ian Bron

News Summary and Comment:

In today’s update there is something of precedent – or perhaps just a one-off. A federal bureaucrat who was fired under a false pretext won $1.4 million in a decision made by the Public Service Labour Relations Board. This is a decision that stands out not just for its size but because it’s so uncommon for any federal government employee unjustly fired or poorly treated to get any kind of redress. Because of the danger that it might set a precedent, I predict the government will appeal and fight this tooth and nail.

In other news, bad girl and bad boy Helena Geurgis and her husband, Rahim Jafar, have been cleared of any potential criminal charges. Translation: The RCMP knew that with the mushy laws and precedents like the one set in the Larry O’Brien case (Ottawa’s mayor, accused and acquitted of corruption), nothing would stick. From that perspective it’s a good call, because why waste taxpayers money? From the ethical and trust perspectives, it’s unlikely the couple will ever be cleared by the Conservative Party or the public.

Also in Ottawa, the head of Statistics Canada has resigned in protest over the government’s moves to make the census voluntary. This move is being applauded by politicians and many other groups as refreshing in a bureaucratic culture where self-advancement seems to be the prevailing motivation at the top.

Finally, there’s a great article about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in The New Yorker. Wikileaks has been able to return to full operations and remains a thorn in the side of governments worldwide. Good on him.

Have a good weekend.

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Former Federal Public Servant Wins Landmark Award

Helena Guergis Cleared by RCMP

Head of StatsCan Resigns on Point of Principle

Wikileaks In the Spotlight

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Former Federal Public Servant Wins Landmark Award

Former public servant wins $1.4-million in dismissal case
Globe and Mail, July 20, 2010
Summary: Doug Tipple spent months exceeding expectations at his budget-slashing job with Public Works Canada when suddenly and without warning he was jobless, his reputation in tatters. Adding to that, the federal government was doing nothing to counter the news stories that preceded his dismissal nor did it permit Mr. Tipple or anyone else to provide any information about the initial allegations. For that inaction, and for the four years of “low self esteem, humiliation, stress, anxiety, and a feeling of betrayal” that followed, the Public Service Labour Relations Board has ordered the Conservative government to pay the former executive nearly $1.4-million in damages.

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Helena Guergis Cleared by RCMP

RCMP clears Helena Guergis and Rahim Jaffer
Globe and Mail, July 21, 2010
Summary: The RCMP has cleared both independent MP Helena Guergis and her husband, Rahim Jaffer, of allegations of criminal wrongdoing leveled against them this year, according to the couple’s lawyers.

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Head of StatsCan Resigns on Point of Principle

Top statistician quits over census
CNews, July 21, 2010
Summary: The head of Statistics Canada has quit, saying a voluntary census can’t replace a mandatory one.

What Munir’s Resignation means to Public Servants
eaves.ca, July 22, 2010
Summary: An examination of the significance of a Deputy Minister’s resignation on a point of principle, from the viewpoint of an anonymous public servant. (Blog posting)

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Wikileaks In the Spotlight

Wikileaks Turns Submissions Engine Back On
PCWorld, July 20, 2010
Summary: Wikileaks has turned back on its system that allows whistleblowers to securely submit documents to the site after it was down for maintenance, according to the organization’s blog.

No Secrets: Julian Assange’s mission for total transparency
The New Yorker, June 7, 2010
Summary: An in-depth article on Julian Assange, the founder of the Internet whistleblowing site, Wikileaks.

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by Ian Bron on July 22, 2010
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Media Update for July 19, 2010

News Summary and Comment:

The blog is back on line as I return from an extended absence. I apologize and will ensure that in future I will have a replacement blogger.

There are two stories of note this week: the federal government’s incentive program for civil servants who come up with cost cutting ideas and the Ontario government’s latest foray into corruption.

The first story pertains to a new initiative launched by Stockwell Day, one with the stated objective of encouraging people to come forward with new ideas. Critics, including Canadians for Accountability, are arguing that the program is doomed to fail. Sean Bruyea and Allan Cutler, our president, argue that the current culture in government actually prevents people form coming forward, and that no program can overcome that. Another expert observes that financial incentives often have the opposite of the intended effect. In any event, I have a few ideas – like, fire the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner and replace her with someone willing to do the job properly. That would promote more whistleblowing, which would ultimately save the government money.

The other story, which involves a major OPP investigation into contracts between the provincial government and contractors, is an object lesson in how quickly a sense of entitlement can turn criminal.

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Government Call for Cost-cutting Ideas Called Unrealistic

Ontario Government Officials Charged by OPP

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Government Call for Cost-cutting Ideas Called Unrealistic

Ottawa’s plan to pay cash for cost-cutting ideas is doomed to fail
Edmonton Journal, July 4, 2010
Summary: The federal government’s hope to save money by rewarding public servants with cash incentives for cost-cutting ideas hinges on one integral premise: that they will be willing to come forward and speak out against the status quo.

Canada’s public-service mentality must be changed
Montreal Gazette, July 6, 2010
Summary: The recent announcement of cash rewards for public servants who suggest improvements in the federal government is naive at best and disingenuous at worst, given the prevailing management culture within Canada’s public service.

Feds’ idea to reward public servants with cash doomed
Hill Times (Ottawa), July 19, 2010
Summary: The federal government’s hope to save money by rewarding public servants with cash incentives for cost-cutting ideas hinges on one integral premise: that they will be willing to come forward and speak out against the status quo.

Public sector innovation crucial but financial incentives are not the solution
Hill Times (Ottawa), July 19, 2010
Summary: Canada’s productivity levels continue to be abysmal on a global scale. The problem is that we are not that good at it.

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Ontario Government Officials Charged by OPP

Criminal probe targets staff at Ontario Realty Corporation
Globe and Mail, July 17, 2010
Summary: Staff at the Ontario government’s real-estate arm are under criminal investigation as part of a probe involving public-sector employees’ financial dealings with private-sector firms.

OPP investigates Ontario government ministries
Globe and Mail, July 17, 2010
Summary: More than one ministry is involved in a criminal investigation into irregular transactions between Ontario provincial ministries and outside vendors, a senior government source said Saturday.

Transportation Ministry, Ontario Realty Corp. raided in OPP probe
Globe and Mail, July 19, 2010
Summary: Staff at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation are under criminal investigation as part of a probe into “irregular” financial dealings with the private sector and the ministry has been identified as one of several raided last week by the Ontario Provincial Police.

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by Ian Bron on July 19, 2010
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Media Update for April 1, 2010

News Summary and Comment:

I have to start today by talking about the group Rights and Democracy again. I wrote a bit on this last week, concluding that although I was unsure whether or not there was political interference, I was sure there was mismanagement.

Well, this week a board member proved me right. Marco Navarro-Genie, an “assistant professor” in a university college in Alberta, wrote an op-ed for the National Post. It is the most hate-filled, politically slanted, self-interested invective I have ever read in a newspaper.

I must say that I do have misgivings about the role and necessity of Rights and Democracy. I’m just not sure Canada needs an agency designed specifically for its stated purpose and question whether it can produce any data to show any kind of effectiveness. Frankly, I think most quasi-governmental special interest agencies are a waste of money. The intentions may be good, but the results don’t materialize.

That said, this piece is proof that the Rights and Democracy board has no idea how to run an organization and that at least one individual on it is unsuited for any management role at all. What’s more, this frothing-at-the-mouth rant will only further damage the organization’s reputation.

But then, maybe that’s the point.

In other news, new evidence continues to undermine the government’s position that it didn’t know about the possible torture of Afghan detainees turned over to Afghan authorities, and that the problem was fixed in 2007. A diplomat and high-ranking soldiers were raising concerns all the way to the Minister.

Meanwhile, Transport Canada is gradually responding to a series of damning reports on its performance in aviation safety. This started in the Fall of 2009 with the CBC presentation “Riding on Risk” and was followed last week by a report on pilot fatigue. The Deputy Minister, who is new, promised that things would improve. Assistant Deputy Minister Marc Grégoire, who is not new and is himself responsible for the lack of oversight, tried to paint a picture of the department wanting to do more, but just not being able to. This transparent attempt to avoid accountability will probably succeed.

Have a good weekend.

See you Thursday.

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Rights and Democracy Board Member Lashes Out

New Afghan Detainee Evidence Undermines Government Position

Transport Canada Promises to Fix Aviation Safety While Avoiding Accountability

Federal Government promises Better Access to Information

P.E.I. not Liable for Abuse at Orphanage

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Rights and Democracy Board Member Lashes Out

Marco Navarro-Genie: The Rights & Democracy gong show arrives in Ottawa
National Post, March 30, 2010
Summary: So the combined opposition in Ottawa has forced Parliament to waste its time and taxpayer money holding hearings on Rights and Democracy.  It will be a real gong show, a kangaroo court, to try and then convict good Canadian citizens whose only crime is to do their duty to look out for Canadian taxpayers. Get your tickets now, folks. The show opens Tuesday morning. (Op-ed)

Staff at troubled Rights and Democracy group describes “toxic” organization
Winnipeg Free Press, March 30, 2010
Summary: Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon was copied on a gag order sent by the chairman of Rights and Democracy to staff, despite the insistence of the government and board that the group is independent and arm’s length. That information emerged Tuesday as current and former employees of the human-rights institution described for members of Parliament a “toxic” and “Kafkaesque” climate at work.

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New Afghan Detainee Evidence Undermines Government Position

MacKay knew of Afghan detainee concerns: diplomat
CBC News, March 31, 2010
Summary: Concerns over the handling and safety of detainees in Afghanistan were relayed to Defence Minister Peter MacKay and other senior officials as potential “mission killers,” a diplomat said Wednesday.

Soldiers raised alarms over poor oversight for Afghan detainees
Globe and Mail, March 31, 2010
Summary: Six months after the Harper government boasted of improved safeguards for detainees, top Canadian soldiers responsible for handing captives to the Afghans complained about being kept in the dark on the health of transferred prisoners.

Nicholson says Parliament not entitled to see all Afghan documents
Winnipeg Free Press, March 31, 2010
Summary: The powers of Parliament are being put to the test in the political battle over access to uncensored documents in the Afghan detainee affair. Justice Minister Rob Nicholson weighed in Wednesday, arguing that Parliament has no authority to demand unfettered access to documents related to the alleged torture of prisoners handed over to Afghan authorities by Canadians soldiers.

More Afghan detainee documents released
CBC News, April 12, 2010
Summary: The federal government has released more documents relating to the transfer of Afghan detainees. Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski, the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader, tabled more than 6,000 pages of additional documents in the House of Commons Thursday.

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Transport Canada Promises to Fix Aviation Safety While Avoiding Accountability

Transport Canada promises more oversight of major airlines
Times Colonist (Victoria), March 30, 2010
Summary: Top officials at Transport Canada on Tuesday vowed to step up oversight at major airlines after admitting government inspectors did fewer spot safety checks in the last few years.

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Federal Government promises Better Access to Information

Tories pledge to improve release of information
Globe and Mail, March 30, 2010
Summary: Under fire for blocking the release of basic information to the media, the federal Conservatives are vowing to learn from recent mistakes and increase their level of transparency.

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P.E.I. not Liable for Abuse at Orphanage

P.E.I. not liable for any abuse at orphanage
CBC News, April 1, 2010
Summary: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday the province of Prince Edward Island is not responsible for any abuse that occurred at the Mt. Herbert Orphanage. Fifty-seven former residents of the orphanage filed a class action suit in 2002 alleging they suffered physical and sexual abuse there. The orphanage run by the P.E.I. Protestant Children’s Trust closed in 1976.

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by Ian Bron on April 3, 2010
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Media Update for March 29, 2010

News Summary and Comment:

Today I lead with a story broken by Canadians for Accountability. It seems that some of our board members spotted some suspicious sole source contracts involving the Public Service Commission of Canada. An Access to Information Act request was made, which yielded documents demonstrating that not only were these contracts very juicy ($21,000 for the first year, but extensible for three more years) but also that contractors had been consulted in preparing the specs for the Advance Contract Award Notices used to hire them. This, of course, made it impossible for them to lose. The PSC is arguing that this is normal, but we’re not buying it. And even if it were, it would still be unethical.

In another key bit of news, the Manitoba Hydro whistleblower has been denied intervenor status in the Public Utilities Board hearing in September. The whistleblower was hired by Manitoba Hydro in 2004 to help them with risk management. At the time, they were hemorrhaging cash and were using risk management decision management software from the 1980s.

During her work, she determined that mismanagement had caused the unnecessary loss of about a half billion dollars. These losses, of course, were being passed on to Manitobans by way of rate increases. In addition, she determined that there was a serious risk of blackouts in the province.

When she reported this, the CEO fired her 24 hours after notifying him. Nothing happened at first – until the media got hold of it in late 2008. This caused a furor and sent the government into defensive mode. Well it should, too: Premier Selinger had been the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro a few years earlier.

Naturally, it didn’t take long for things to get nasty. Manitoba Hydro has been using the usual tricks played on whistleblowers: a bogus and flawed investigation into her findings, smears on her character in a gratuitous, over-the-top and disingenuous (if not outright dishonest) affidavit posted on the Internet, and violations of publication bans that seem to me to be intended to hurt her reputation and future contract opportunities. And, since they can’t use the old disloyalty chestnut, they’re using another oldie-but-goodie: it wasn’t her role to do risk management, they are saying. Not only is that irrelevant, it’s ludicrous when one considers what she was hired for.

To make matters worse, it seems that oversight agencies are joining in. First off, the Manitoba Ombudsman has failed to act on the violation of the publication ban and seems to have no interest in investigating what look like violations of the Manitoba Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. They also refuse to indemnify her for her legal expenses, making this a real David and Goliath battle.

And now the Public Utilities Board, which is holding rate hearings in September, has not only refused to grant the whistleblower intervenor status, it is insisting that she redact a 400 100 page report in less than three weeks – after Manitoba Hydro was given unlimited time to file its reports, make presentations to defend their position. Hydro has missed deadline after deadline, but the whistleblower, who isn’t even under contract, is supposed to file all her findings in one week. This is apparently an attempt to make it impossible for her to debunk the position being put forward by Manitoba Hydro management.

Ever wonder why there are so few Canadian whistleblowers? Well, this is why. If I were a Manitoban, I’d be pretty angry.

Just one more thing worthy of comment today – I’ve put together a list of articles that have been printed on Chander Grover’s case in the South Asia Mail. It’s worth you while to see how far a government agency will go to win, even when it’s wrong, and even when ordered to make restitution.

See you Thursday.

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Canadians for Accountability Reports Suspicious Contracts to Treasury Board

Manitoba Hydro Whistleblower Denied Status at Key Inquiry

Federal Ministerial Staffers Interfering with Information Requests Again

New Afghan Detainee Documents Cause More Controversy

Protest Held Outside Rights and Democracy

N.S. MLA Expenses Scandal Claims another Politician

Transport Canada Accused of Hiding Documents Related to Port Stanley

A Four-part Series on the Racial Discrimination of Dr. Grover by the NRC

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Canadians for Accountability Reports Suspicious Contracts to Treasury Board

Federal agency accused of sole-sourcing contracts
CTV News, March 28, 2010
Summary: A federal agency that’s supposed to ensure government hiring is fair and transparent is being accused of cooking four employment contracts. The Public Service Commission of Canada issued four sole-source contracts last fall after allowing the favoured candidates to vet their own job descriptions beforehand, says a public watchdog group. And that amounts to stacking the deck so that any other potential candidates don’t stand a chance, charges Canadians for Accountability.

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Manitoba Hydro Whistleblower Denied Status at Key Inquiry

Whistleblower denied status at PUB hearing
Winnipeg Free Press, March 14, 2010
Summary: A New York consultant who blew the whistle on possible financial risks facing Manitoba Hydro won’t be at the table when the Public Utilities Board (PUB) starts its mega hearing into power rates later this year. The regulator ruled Friday that the whistleblower — whose identity cannot be revealed because of a court order — will not be given intervener status at the hearing, as she requested earlier this month.

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Federal Ministerial Staffers Interfering with Requests for Information Again

Tory aide tried to suppress $5-million Olympic ad bill
Globe and Mail, March 29, 2010
Summary: A senior Conservative official repeatedly intervened last month to try and suppress the revelation that Ottawa spent $5-million on a TV advertising blitz surrounding the Vancouver Olympics, new records show.

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New Afghan Detainee Documents Cause More Controversy

Afghans routinely executed detainees: soldier
CBC News, March 26, 2010
Summary: A Canadian soldier has alleged that Afghan authorities routinely executed detainees his unit handed over to them, newly released documents show.

Détenus afghans: de nouvelles allégations inquiétantes, selon l’opposition
La Presse, March 26, 2010
Summary: De nouvelles allégations contenues dans les documents déposés jeudi à la Chambre des communes renforcent la nécessité de tenir une enquête publique sur le dossier des détenus afghans, estime l’opposition à Ottawa.

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Protest Held Outside Rights and Democracy

Groups demand Rights & Democracy inquiry
CBC News, March 26, 2010
Summary: Human rights groups staged a protest outside the Montreal offices of Rights & Democracy on Friday, demanding a public inquiry into inner turmoil at the taxpayer-funded organization that promotes human rights and democratic values. The protesters claim a public inquiry is the only way to shed light on allegations of government interference in the organization, which was created under Brian Mulroney’s Conservative government.

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N.S. MLA Expenses Scandal Claims another Politician

NDP suspends MLA
Chronicle-Herald (Halifax), March 26, 2010
Summary: Saying they no longer trust a fellow MLA, the New Democrats have suspended backbencher Trevor Zinck from caucus be­cause of “persistent” problems with constituency bills.

Spending rules tightened for Nova Scotia MLAs
Chronicle-Herald (Halifax), March 27, 2010
Summary: The Nova Scotia government introduced legislation Friday that it says would tighten oversight and make spending by provincial politicians more open by posting their expenses online.

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Transport Canada Accused of Hiding Documents Related to Port Stanley

Transport Canada neglects Port Stanley
London Free Press, March 27, 2010
Summary: A future regional economic engine is at stake with Central Elgin’s negotiations with Transport Canada over Port Stanley’s harbour. That’s why this story should upset you. (Letter to the editor)

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A Four-part Series on the Racial Discrimination of Dr. Grover by the NRC

State-sponsored Racial Discrimination in Canada: Racial Discrimination of Dr. Grover by the NRC (Part 1)

Is racism in Canada a reality or a relic of the past? (Part 2)

A Culture of Abuse and Torture – Canadian Government Style (Part 3)

Is the Office of the Auditor General of Canada reliable? (Part 4)

Other related articles in the South Asia Mail:

March 20, 2010: http://www.southasiamail.com/mainnews.php?id=7955

March 22, 2010: http://www.southasiamail.com/mainnews.php?id=7983

March 26, 2010: http://www.southasiamail.com/mainnews.php?id=8032

March 28, 2010: http://www.southasiamail.com/mainnews.php?id=8058

March 29, 2010: http://www.southasiamail.com/blog/

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by Ian Bron on March 29, 2010
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