QUESTION PERIOD — Democratic Institutions
Political Party Fundraising
May 2, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is also for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
I think what has happened since the previous questions and answers, Senator Harder, is that there has been further media coverage regarding this topic. I, too, have a related question.
In addition to the story concerning Loblaws, it was recently reported that an American CEO of a marijuana technology company attended a Liberal Party fundraiser in April, where the tickets cost $1,600 each.
The CEO later issued a press release describing his conversation with the Prime Minister at this event and claimed this opened the door for an introduction to the Minister of Innovation. As all honourable senators are aware, only individuals who are Canadians citizens or permanent residents of Canada can contribute to a registered party. In addition, the ticket was gifted to this individual, which is also against the rules.
Senator, the question relating to cash-for-access fundraising is this: How can your government claim to have provided greater transparency to fundraising events when it doesn’t even follow the rules already in place?
Again, all honourable senators will know that this government has put in place a series of measures to enhance transparency of donations to political parties. It has put those measures in place both on a voluntary basis and as a practice through the laws that have been put in place. The government is intent on ensuring adherence to that so that we remain amongst those countries that have a severe and strict regime of party donations and transparency with respect to those who support political parties.
We know the laws have been put in place, but our question is related to whether or not the government is following these very rules they have put in place.
In February of 2017, when Minister Gould appeared during Senate Question Period, I asked her about cash-for-access fundraising. She said at the time that the rules are clear, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do better.
Two years later, it seems that little has changed with this government. The rules are still not being followed.
Senator, could you please make inquiries and let us know whether Minister Bains did indeed meet with the CEO of an American marijuana company after the April 5 Liberal Party fundraiser?
I would be happy to do so.
