(OTTAWA) - The Green Party of Canada is calling for stricter limits on party fundraising by government ministers following reports that the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Jody Wilson-Raybould, is being hosted by Torys LLP, a Bay Street law firm, at a $500-a-head, private reception.
According to the CBC, the money raised at the reception will go into the coffers of the Liberal Party of Canada. The reception was not advertised publicly, nor could mention of it be found by searching the Liberal Party of Canada website.
"Direct access to Canada’s justice minister can be advantageous to a law firm," said Dimitri Lascaris, Green Party Justice Critic. "For example, the Government of Canada frequently retains private law firms for potentially lucrative assignments. In addition, some lawyers at a law firm may desire appointment to the bench. While there is no indication these conflicts will arise at Ms. Wilson-Raybould's fundraiser, at a price of $500 per head, many Canadians could never afford to attend an event such as this. This places the well-heeled at a considerable advantage to average Canadians. The fact that this event was not declared publicly only increases the risk of special and unfair access to the Minister of Justice.”
The Green Party of Canada joins with the NDP in calling for the cancellation of this event. If the event does go ahead, the Green Party calls on the Minister to donate all proceeds to charity rather than direct them to Liberal coffers.
"We further call on the Liberal government to establish strict limits on fundraising activities by members of its cabinet," Mr. Lascaris said. "In particular, cabinet members should be prohibited from participating, other than during elections, in private fundraising events. This will help to ensure that Canadians have equal access to members of the cabinet, and that wealthier members of society do not enjoy privileged access to those who are at the core of government decision-making."
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
Green Party of Canada | Parti vert du Canada
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
mobile: (613) 614-4916