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December 7th, 2015

NDP calls on Conflict of Interest Commissioner to investigate Liberal party

The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner should investigate a recent Liberal Party fundraising email.

The Liberal Party offered supporters the chance to win an invite to the Liberal caucus holiday party in exchange for donations. The winner would also be able to meet the prime minister and his cabinet ministers.

The rules around the ethical conduct of ministers clearly indicate that preferential access to government or the ministerial cabinet cannot be bought or subject to favouritism. This email contradicts those ethical guidelines.

“The Liberal government promised to do politics differently,” said NDP Ethics critic Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie). “Unfortunately, we’re seeing the same questionable practices that we did with the old parties. Is that real change?”

New Democrats have repeatedly called for stricter conflict of interest rules. Questionable fundraising activities like this email undermine public trust in our parliamentary and governmental institutions.

Canadians can count on the NDP progressive opposition to ensure the Liberal government respects the rules and is accountable to Canadians.

*The letter sent to Commissioner Mary Dawson is attached.