Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Former Harper Aide Exaggerated Extent Of Pull With Government, Trial Told

The Canadian Press, 15 Sep, 2015 11:40 AM
    OTTAWA — The trial of a former top aide to the prime minister has been told that Bruce Carson exaggerated his abilities to influence the government to purchase water treatment systems for First Nations communities.
     
    Carson is in court charged with influence-peddling.
     
    The case is connected with an Ottawa-based company that employed his girlfriend at the time, a former sex trade worker.
     
    Court is learning that Carson sent emails in early 2011 to the owner of H2O Water Professionals Inc., saying the government was considering several pilot projects that could provide business to the firm.
     
    But Crown prosecutor Jason Nicol says communications from the Aboriginal Affairs Department show no such pilot projects existed.
     
    Carson has pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 121 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits anyone from peddling influence on the government to obtain benefit for themselves or someone else.
     
    The trial, which is expected to wrap up today, has provided more fodder for Stephen Harper's opponents who question the prime minister's judgment when it comes to appointing the people around him.
     
    Carson was a senior adviser to Harper from 2006 — when the Conservatives first took office — until 2008.
     
    Harper asked the RCMP to investigate Carson after media reports surfaced about his involvement with H2O.
     
    The prime minister avoided commenting directly about the trial Monday, saying the case involves accusations about a private citizen who had long ago left his employ.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Four More Held In Teenager's Gang-Rape Case In Jaipur

    Four More Held In Teenager's Gang-Rape Case In Jaipur
    Four more people have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang-rape of 17-year-old Delhi-based girl who was taken to Jaipur by her neighbour on the pretext of providing a job, police said.

    Four More Held In Teenager's Gang-Rape Case In Jaipur

    Medical Robot In Saskatchewan Is Connecting Doctors To Faraway Patients

    Medical Robot In Saskatchewan Is Connecting Doctors To Faraway Patients
    A new medical robot in Saskatchewan is connecting doctors with patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for appointments.

    Medical Robot In Saskatchewan Is Connecting Doctors To Faraway Patients

    'It's Very Helpful:' Some Bail Conditions Eased For Omar Khadr At Edmonton Hearing

    Khadr's curfew is being relaxed to allow him to attend night classes and early-morning prayers. Court heard Khadr is studying to become an emergency medical technician.

    'It's Very Helpful:' Some Bail Conditions Eased For Omar Khadr At Edmonton Hearing

    B.C. Liquor Store Fundraiser Pumps $102,000 Into Wildfire Relief

    B.C. Liquor Store Fundraiser Pumps $102,000 Into Wildfire Relief
    Customers and employees of B.C. liquor stores have raised $102,000 to support victims of this summer's wildfires in the province.

    B.C. Liquor Store Fundraiser Pumps $102,000 Into Wildfire Relief

    Ontario Looks At Importing More Electricity From Quebec At Joint Cabinet Meeting

    Ontario Looks At Importing More Electricity From Quebec At Joint Cabinet Meeting
    QUEBEC — Ontario will look at the financial implications of buying more electricity from Quebec under an agreement to be signed Friday at a joint cabinet meeting in Quebec City.

    Ontario Looks At Importing More Electricity From Quebec At Joint Cabinet Meeting

    Premier Kathleen Wynne To Announce Funding For Syrian Refugees On Saturday

    QUEBEC — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne urged Ottawa on Friday to speed up its process to welcome more refugees to Canada.

    Premier Kathleen Wynne To Announce Funding For Syrian Refugees On Saturday