Source : Globe & Mail

CanWest Media Works vice-president had helped organize event for Bev Oda

OTTAWA -- Heritage Minister Bev Oda has cancelled a fundraising event after critics attacked the fact that it was organized by a woman who lobbies her department.

Charlotte Bell, the vice-president of regulatory affairs, television and radio for CanWest Media Works, had been helping organize the fundraiser to re-elect Ms. Oda, bringing about opposition claims that the Conservatives were not acting as ethically as promised when it comes to corporate influence in politics.

Ms. Oda's spokesman, Chisolm Pothier, said she and Ms. Bell are old friends and the fundraiser was an annual event dating back to Ms. Oda's days in opposition.

"The minister was not aware Charlotte Bell was registered to lobby Canadian Heritage," he said. "To avoid any negative perception, she decided to cancel the event."

The NDP had released a letter yesterday written Sept. 27 by Ms. Bell to the secretary general of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission on policy issues.

A second letter lists Ms. Bell as the top name on a Conservative Party committee asking people to pay $50 a ticket to attend a Nov. 15 fundraiser on Bay Street in Toronto.

"The guest speaker will be Hon. Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry," that letter states. "The funds raised at this event will assist in helping re-elect Bev as part of a Stephen Harper majority government, come next election."

NDP MP Charlie Angus expressed concern in Question Period that the two ministers were making themselves available at a fundraiser at a time when corporations have a lot riding on a review of the government's broadcasting polices.

"The broadcast review happens in two weeks," Mr. Angus said. "The cash grab happens next week. I would like to ask the minister why she is using her office to trade political access for political contributions?"

Ms. Oda said she has "observed every rule existing right now."

Ms. Bell was travelling yesterday and not available for comment. CanWest owns the Global television network, as well as a chain of newspapers and other media holdings.

Mr. Angus had said he will file a complaint with the Commons Ethics Commissioner. He said Ms. Oda must provide a clearer explanation.

"When we find out that a key lobbyist who will be pushing this government for regulatory changes is out there, flogging tickets for an upcoming fundraiser, that stinks to high heavens," Mr. Angus told reporters.

The broadcast policy review begins Nov. 27. Ms. Bell is listed as a corporate lobbyist for CanWest in the federal lobbyists registration system.

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