Reality check: Facts contradict Minister Kenney’s IRB patronage defense

In the House of Commons, Jason Kenney has been claiming that only two appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board have links to the Conservative Party of Canada.

The facts contradict his claim, as the board is brimming with Conservative donors, ex-candidates and Conservative staffers.

So which of these many Conservative-linked appointees were the two Jason Kenney was talking about?

Political advisor:

Normand Forest - Senior policy advisor to labour minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn Appointed to Board in 2008

Candidates:

Rose Andrachuk 2003 Ontario PC candidate in Etobicoke Centre Appointed in 2008

Gilles Guenette 1988 Ontario PC candidate in Ottawa-Vanier Appointed in 2007

Atam Uppal Conservative nominee in Don Valley East in 2005, Appointed in 2006

Harriet Wolman Two time Former Ontario PC candidate in Oakwood Appointed in 2007

Donors:

Michel Byczak Lucien Richard campaign 2004 Appointed in 2007

Pasquale Fiorino Jeff Watson campaign 2005/06 & 2008 Appointed in 2009

Marlene Hogarth Thunder Bay, Ontario Progressive Conservatives 2000-2007 Appointed in 2006

John Kivlichan Joe Oliver 2008 campaign Appointed in 2009

Robert Rushowy York-Simcoe EDA 2008 Appointed in 2008

Sonia Rodrigue Conservative Party of Canada 2008-2009 Appointed in 2009

Irvin Sherman Pauline Browes 2005/06 campaign Appointed in 2007

Darcy Tkachuk Conservative Party of Canada 2008, Yukon EDA 2007-2009 Appointed in 2009

Cheryl Walker Conservative Party of Canada 2007-2010 Appointed in 2009