Close X
Monday, January 27, 2025
ADVT 
National

Justin Trudeau Shrugs Off Law Firm's Private Fundraiser Featuring Attorney General

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Apr, 2016 12:11 PM
    MONTREAL — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is dismissing concerns over his attorney general attending a private Liberal party fundraiser this week hosted by a Bay Street law firm that's registered to lobby her.
     
    Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould is the star attraction at Thursday night's $500-a-head, invitation-only soiree at the Torys LLP firm in downtown Toronto.
     
    "Please join us for a private evening in support of the Liberal Party of Canada with the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould," says the invitation.
     
    Lobbyist registry records show that at least one Torys LLP lawyer is actively registered to lobby Wilson-Raybould on the issue of corporate and mutual fund tax law.
     
    Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has just barred her cabinet members from attending private fundraisers, following embarrassing revelations that ministers were expected to raise up to $500,000 annually for the provincial Liberal party — a task that often entailed perceived conflicts of interest.
     
    Ontario, like British Columbia, does not have limits on how much corporations and unions can contribute to party coffers, setting up scenarios in which massive donations coupled with private access to political leaders raises a multitude of concerns.
     
    Trudeau, speaking Wednesday in Montreal, noted that union and corporate donations are forbidden under the rules for federal political parties, while donations by individuals are strictly limited to about $1,500 annually.
     
    "The federal government and the Liberal Party of Canada has very, very strict rules around fundraising," said Trudeau.
     
    He also applauded Wynne's decision to ban her cabinet members from attending private fundraisers, but failed to address the question of whether Wilson-Raybould's Toronto event presents a potential conflict of interest.
     
    "There are a number of provinces that still have work to do in terms of demonstrating public trust and I think banning union and corporate donations, as we have done at the federal level, is an important step that different provinces should consider."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Surrey Police Respond To Robbery And 'Hostage Situation' At TD Canada Trust Bank

    Surrey Police Respond To Robbery And 'Hostage Situation' At TD Canada Trust Bank
    Police confirm bank robbery underway at TD Canada Trust in Newton in the 13600 block of 72

    Surrey Police Respond To Robbery And 'Hostage Situation' At TD Canada Trust Bank

    Experts, Lobbyists Begin Pre-budget Testimony Before Finance Committee

    Experts, Lobbyists Begin Pre-budget Testimony Before Finance Committee
    A four-day blitz of advice from lobbyists and experts on the upcoming federal budget begins today before a parliamentary committee.

    Experts, Lobbyists Begin Pre-budget Testimony Before Finance Committee

    Surrey RCMP Dealing With ‘Unfolding Police Incident’ In Newton Area

    Surrey RCMP Dealing With ‘Unfolding Police Incident’ In Newton Area
    A huge of 72nd Avenue in the Newton area was behind police tape and at least eight RCMP vehicles could be seen in the area.

    Surrey RCMP Dealing With ‘Unfolding Police Incident’ In Newton Area

    Toronto's Sikh Community Delivers Special Valentine’s Day Gifts To Women's Shelter

    Toronto's Sikh Community Delivers Special Valentine’s Day Gifts To Women's Shelter
    Sikh community delivers cupcakes, chocolates and cards made by children, just to ‘say someone cares.’

    Toronto's Sikh Community Delivers Special Valentine’s Day Gifts To Women's Shelter

    Canada Beats Valentine's Day Cold Records

    Canada Beats Valentine's Day Cold Records
    Quebec saw windchills reach -46 C, Newfoundland saw 30 centimetres of snowfall in some places and Ontario broke an astounding 17 records for low temperatures in one icy swoop.

    Canada Beats Valentine's Day Cold Records

    Saskatchewan Couple Celebrates Valentine's Together After He Donates Kidney To Save Her Life

    Saskatchewan Couple Celebrates Valentine's Together After He Donates Kidney To Save Her Life
    Chris Willenborg met Errin Tollefson about five years ago, and Tollefson revealed she was on dialysis and on a waitlist for a kidney.

    Saskatchewan Couple Celebrates Valentine's Together After He Donates Kidney To Save Her Life