Stephen Harper’s inner circle – Conservative scandals just keep growing

Stephen Harper came to Ottawa promising to finally clean up Senate corruption. Instead, his appointees and top advisors have been involved

• Nigel Wright: Former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. Gave a $90,000 cheque to Mike Duffy and has been talking to the RCMP about it ever since.
• Leo Housakos: Conservative Senator recently linked to the Charbonneau Commission for his connection to the construction industry, from which he reportedly solicited tens of thousands of dollars in donations.
• Claude Carignan: According to a former construction boss, Leo Housakos asked him to help fund his campaign. Is now Harper’s Leader of the Government in the Senate.
• Dimitri Soudas: Harper’s former Director of Communications. During the 2011 federal election, recordings revealed how Tony Accurso and Bernard Poulin were talking about using him to appoint their candidate to the head of the Port de Montréal.
• Dean Del Mastro: Personally selected as the Prime Minister’s own parliamentary secretary and lead spokesperson on Ethics. He is now out of the Conservative caucus and facing charges relating to breaking elections laws.
• Carolyn Stewart Olsen: Former Conservative spokesperson turned Senator, now having to repay inappropriate living expenses.
• Mike Duffy: Ordered to pay back more than $90,000 for false living expenses and claiming per diems while on vacation – a bill apparently paid for by former Chief of Staff to the PM Nigel Wright.
• Pamela Wallin: Ordered to pay back more than $100,000 for improper claims; including false travel claims, fundraising and campaigning for the Conservative Party on the taxpayer’s dime.
• Bruce Carson: A four time convicted fraudster who was also charged with influence peddling while working as a Senior Advisor and confidant to Prime Minister Harper. Reportedly tried to leverage his position with the PM and his connections with Conservatives to take advantage of impoverished First Nations communities.
• Irving Gerstein: Charged for violating the Elections Act after he participated in a scheme involving false tax claims and exceeding federal spending limits. The Conservative Party paid the $52,000 fine and charges were dropped.

And because of prorogation, Harper has given himself an extra month’s break from answering questions about this litany of scandal and mismanagement.

Canadians deserve better, they deserve answers.