The Liberal Government is dismissing opposition attacks over so-called “cash for access” fundraising events, saying the $1,500 cap on contributions prevents any potential conflicts of interest.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rose in the House of Commons again Wednesday to defend his ministers’ fundraising events attended by lawyers and business executives.
“People do not have to pay a cent to have us hear their concerns,” said Trudeau.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau has lately taken the brunt of the criticism from opposition MPs. Morneau came under fire over a recent $1,500-a-head event at a Nova Scotia waterfront mansion owned by former mining tycoon Fred George.
Morneau will appear at a similar $500-per-ticket fundraiser in a private Toronto home next month, organized with help from an executive from Apotex, a generic drug company that’s registered to lobby the Department of Finance.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson Raybould has also been chastised by opposition MPs for attending a fundraiser at a Toronto law firm as the feature guest.
Trudeau instructed his cabinet ministers to ensure there is “no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, accorded to individuals or organizations because they have made financial contributions” when the Liberals formed government -- a statement opposition MPs have seized on as evidence of broken promises.
“He knows it is wrong to have ministers charging $1,500 on behalf of the Liberal Part of Canada to have a meeting on a government file, yet that is exactly what is happening,” said interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.
The ongoing spotlight on fundraising comes as Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson prepares to appear before the Parliamentary Ethics Committee on Thursday.
Dawson has said the fundraisers aren’t covered by the Conflict of Interest Act -- “but they certainly could improve the rules.”
While there has been no official indication that the Liberals intend to curtail their fundraising efforts, the event page on Morneau’s website appeared offline Wednesday evening while the rest of the website appeared operational.
With a report from CTV’s Glen McGregor in Ottawa
