Toronto Star - Rahim Jaffer boasted to businesses: I can get government money easily

[RedHot25]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1527555/

Toronto Star Story:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/arti...cted-to-conman

Conservatives are furious with political power couple Helena Guergis and Rahim Jaffer after yet more revelations that question their behaviour and judgment, including suggestions Mr. Jaffer was telling business associates he still had sway with the Prime Minister.

...

In a lengthy investigative article this morning, the Toronto Star details the events that led to charges of drunk drinking and cocaine possession being leveled against Mr. Jaffer last September.

Prior to his arrest north of the city that night, Mr. Jaffer had been in Toronto at a boozy dinner that included “busty hookers,” according to the article. He was there with financier Nazim Gillani, who according to the Toronto Star operates a company that is under investigation for possible investment fraud.

The article says Mr. Jaffer left the clear impression he had pull in the PMO and could provide government grants and money for business opportunities. Although he was defeated in his Edmonton riding in the 2008 election, he apparently continues to use his MP business card.

From the Star Article linked above:

Former MP Rahim Jaffer, a self-described peddler of government grants, credits and loans, was in fine form, chatting up prospective clients. Early the next morning, Gillani would greet the day with a colourful email to the night’s guests: “Mr. Jaffer has opened up the Prime Minister’s office to us,” he boasted, unaware at the time of how Jaffer’s night had ended. Gillani is a character. By last September, at least two major police departments and the federal taxman were after him on fraud or tax evasion allegations.

[burn_this_city]

If you've ever met a cokehead you'll know they all lie.

[RedHot25]

The PMO responds...

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/201...mo-access.html

The Toronto Star published an article Thursday alleging Rahim Jaffer, husband of junior cabinet minister Helena Guergis, dined and drank with several prospective clients and prostitutes Sept. 10 — the night of his arrest on charges of drunk driving and cocaine possession.
The Star's report claims Jaffer, 38, said he and his business partners would have "no problem" obtaining government funds for projects.


Andrew MacDougall, a spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said in a statement Thursday the "accusation the Prime Minister's Office has opened doors for Mr. Jaffer or his associates is false."
"It is also absurd," MacDougall added.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff called the latest allegations "serious" and said they raise larger questions about the integrity of a government that campaigned and came to power on a pledge of integrity and accountability. "Who was Mr. Jaffer talking to in the Conservative government?" Ignatieff told reporters Thursday in Mirabel, Que. "What promises did he make for access? We need the whole story."

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe called on the government to make clear whether Jaffer did any lobbying for his company or received any contracts from Ottawa, saying such work could constitute a conflict of interest for his wife in cabinet.

[Azure]

You know, good.

I support the conservatives, but they need to be open with what happened here.

Its interesting that we seem to take stuff like this rather seriously. Down south on the other hand.....

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by RedHot25

led to charges of drunk drinking and cocaine possession being leveled against Mr. Jaffer last September.

They're charging people for drunk drinking now?!
Jeez - I gotta start being more careful!

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Azure

You know, good.

I support the conservatives, but they need to be open with what happened here.

Its interesting that we seem to take stuff like this rather seriously. Down south on the other hand.....

What so some drunken cokehead blow hard makes a promise to impress some hookers and get some business and we need a crown investigation for it?

[Azure]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

What so some drunken cokehead blow hard makes a promise to impress some hookers and get some business and we need a crown investigation for it?

He could just be a drunken blowhard. But...

The article says Mr. Jaffer left the clear impression he had pull in the PMO and could provide government grants and money for business opportunities. Although he was defeated in his Edmonton riding in the 2008 election, he apparently continues to use his MP business card.

If that is even remotely true it needs to be investigated.

[CaptainCrunch]

Maybe by the police for fraud.

There's nothing so far that shows its remotely anything but a former MP acting like an a$$ to get business.

[Wookie]

Yeah, I hear just as big/douchy comments all the time from people who think they're important.

None have come as being able to "wield the power of the PMO office", but I'd probably take that as seriously as anything else.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Yeah, I hear just as big/douchy comments all the time from people who think they're important.

None have come as being able to "wield the power of the PMO office", but I'd probably take that as seriously as anything else.

How many were drunken former MP's?

"Oh sure baby, when I'm a doctor I can perscribe anything you want"

[Resolute 14]

Actually, Ignatief, they open questions on the integrity of an individual making wild boasts. If you have evidence that ties the government in, please bring it forward.

Also, the thought of the Toronto Star doing anything resembling investigative journalism is comical.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Actually, Ignatief, they open questions on the integrity of an individual making wild boasts. If you have evidence that ties the government in, please bring it forward.

Also, the thought of the Toronto Star doing anything resembling investigative journalism is comical.

Yes, this should be brushed under the rug. Nothing bad could possibly come from that.

[SebC]

All governments have some degree of corruption/scandal. The biggest difference between the Conservatives and the Liberals on this front is the Conservatives are better at making a compaign out of it and muzzling their party members.

[EddyBeers]

Conservatives never do anything improper. CP has a loyal cast of characters that will confirm that. Nothing to see here, move along. Crazy accusations about the former caucus chair of the Conservative Party, a caucus chair appointed by Harper. There is no way that Harper would hand out that kind of influence. In order to get favours from Harper, you have to be former international terrorist. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...07?hub=QPeriod

[RedHot25]

I heard on TV that he also apparently had the Conservative logo on his website or company's website; it somehow disappeared a couple of hours after this got air

[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Maybe by the police for fraud.

There's nothing so far that shows its remotely anything but a former MP acting like an a$$ to get business.

PErhaps, but there's that part about his wife or g/f that is a Minister of State in the current government....

Whether or not there is anything even literal there, the perception is enough to have a look.

[longsuffering]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

What so some drunken cokehead blow hard makes a promise to impress some hookers and get some business and we need a crown investigation for it?

When his wife is (miraculously still) a cabinet minister it is worth taking a look at.

[HOZ]

Originally Posted by longsuffering

When his wife is (miraculously still) a cabinet minister it is worth taking a look at.

Nah,....

One or two hellacious question periods should be enough.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by RedHot25

PErhaps, but there's that part about his wife or g/f that is a Minister of State in the current government....

Whether or not there is anything even literal there, the perception is enough to have a look.

I think Captain is saying that the police should look.

And not the crown investigators.

[RedHot25]

Originally Posted by Azure

I think Captain is saying that the police should look.

And not the crown investigators.

Yes, I know that.