—–Original Message—–
\nFrom: PC Caucus Media Relations
\nSent: 2007\u5e745\u67087\u65e5 15:37
\nSubject: News Release: Over 200 Reasons Why Minister Must Resign<\/p>\n
For Immediate Release<\/p>\n
May 7, 2007 <\/p>\n
OVER 200 REASONS WHY MINISTER MUST RESIGN<\/p>\n
Slush fund controversy spirals out of control \u2013 time for Minister to resign, auditor probe<\/p>\n
(Queen\u2019s Park) \u2013 Progressive Conservative Party Deputy Leader Elizabeth Witmer today said it\u2019s 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\u2019s slush fund.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opposition parties have asked over 200 questions with no answers,\u201d said Witmer. \u201cIt seems like almost every day there\u2019s more information that emerges about this slush fund scandal. It\u2019s time for answers and if the Minister won\u2019t give them he should resign and let the Auditor do exactly that.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are now numerous questions about the process behind grants to several organizations, some with close Liberal ties,\u201d said Witmer. \u201cThe Minister\u2019s credibility has evaporated. The time has come for him to do the honourable thing. He should stop his stonewalling and call in the Auditor.\u201d<\/p>\n
-30-<\/p>\n
For more information:<\/p>\n
Elizabeth Witmer<\/p>\n
(416) 325-1306<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"