TORONTO — Ontario’s Opposition is accusing the Liberals of continuing to fundraise in secret even after the premier instituted a rule that her caucus members must advertise such events. The Liberals proposed election finance reforms amid criticism over fundraising events that saw cabinet ministers attend private, high-priced functions with stakeholders. “What is the premier going to do about ministers violating her phoney rules about fundraising from stakeholders and keeping those meetings secret from the public?” Smith asked. “I’d like to thank the member for the advertisement for my fundraiser,” Thibeault told the legislature. After opposition politicians said it still amounts to cash for access if senior government decision makers such as chiefs of staff are allowed to attend fundraising events, the attorney general said he has not ruled out extending the ban to chiefs of staff.

Source: National Post September 27, 2016 21:22 UTC