We must shed light on PMO involvement in Conservative cover-up operation

OTTAWA — The biggest scandal to hit Harper’s Conservative government since 2006 is currently unfolding in Ottawa, where MP Jean Rousseau (Compton-Stanstead), along with all Official Opposition MPs, is calling for an independent investigation by the RCMP to determine what happened and to ensure that those who broke the law are punished.  

Stephen Harper’s chief of staff was forced to resign this weekend after the media revealed that he entered into a secret deal with Senator Mike Duffy to cover up an embarrassing scandal. The senator is accused of claiming $90,000 in expenses he wasn’t entitled to.

“The people of Compton-Stanstead work hard and pay a lot of taxes. It’s unacceptable for senators, Conservative or Liberal, to make underhanded attempts to get rich on their backs. It’s even more shocking that the Prime Minister’s office is trying to cover up this scandal,” said Rousseau.

Three Conservatives have so far resigned due to Senate scandals. These latest developments highlight Harper’s systematic lack of judgement when it comes to accountability and ethics.

“The Conservatives promised a more transparent government. They promised to clean up Ottawa after the Liberal scandals and now we learn that they’re trying to cover up their own scandals. Stephen Harper broke his promise to Canadians,” said Rousseau. “The public has had enough of these practices that discourage honest people.”   

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