—–Original Message—–
From: PC Caucus Media Relations
Sent: 2007年5月7日 15:37
Subject: News Release: Over 200 Reasons Why Minister Must Resign
For Immediate Release
May 7, 2007
OVER 200 REASONS WHY MINISTER MUST RESIGN
Slush fund controversy spirals out of control – time for Minister to resign, auditor probe
(Queen’s Park) – Progressive Conservative Party Deputy Leader Elizabeth Witmer today said it’s time for Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle to resign and for Dalton McGuinty to order a full investigation by the Auditor of his government’s slush fund.
“The opposition parties have asked over 200 questions with no answers,” said Witmer. “It seems like almost every day there’s more information that emerges about this slush fund scandal. It’s time for answers and if the Minister won’t give them he should resign and let the Auditor do exactly that.”
In the Legislature today Witmer questioned Colle today about revelations over the weekend that a group that received $275,000 in taxpayer money had close ties into the Minister’s Office. Witmer urged the McGuinty Liberals to release the application submitted by the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC) for funding and the criteria for awarding it money. Her questions went unanswered.
A report in a Chinese daily newspaper quoted the Executive Director of CPAC saying there were no clear criteria for the application his organization submitted for funding and declined to answer when asked if he received any help from anyone to ensure the approval of the application.
“There are now numerous questions about the process behind grants to several organizations, some with close Liberal ties,” said Witmer. “The Minister’s credibility has evaporated. The time has come for him to do the honourable thing. He should stop his stonewalling and call in the Auditor.”
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For more information:
Elizabeth Witmer
(416) 325-1306
