From: NDP/NPD Communications
Sent: March 7, 2012 5:00 PM
To: NDP/NPD Communications
Subject: Statement by MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre) // Déclaration du député Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre)Statement by MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre)
On Sunday, February 26, 2012, I appeared as a guest on the CTV Question Period program. In the course of that broadcast, I made certain comments dealing with the allegations of voter tampering at the 41st federal general election of May 2, 2011, that seem to have been misunderstood by the corporate officers in charge of Campaign Research Inc, an Ottawa-based company. Today, I would like to clarify my remarks.
I did not accuse Campaign Research Inc. of having engaged in criminal activity in respect of robo-calls during the Spring 2011 election campaign, nor did I intend to convey that meaning. My exact remarks were to the effect that this is a company, meaning one of a number of companies, of a size and organizational capacity as to be able to have engaged in strategies to influence the outcome of the election. In fact, the concluding part of my comments was: “So I would hope the investigators look at the other contractors that are working for the Conservative Party.”
As a Member of Parliament, I not only have the right, but indeed the obligation, to comment on current issues vital to democracy and to the conduct of public affairs.
Pat Martin
Member of Parliament
Winnipeg Centre***
Déclaration du député Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre)Le dimanche 26 février 2012, j’ai participé à titre d’invité à l’émission Question Period diffusée à CTV. Lors de cette émission, j’ai fait certains commentaires concernant des allégations de fraude électorale lors de la 41e élection générale du 2 mai 2011 qui semblent avoir été mal interprétés par les responsables de Campaign Research Inc., une compagnie d’Ottawa. Aujourd’hui, je voudrais clarifier mes propos.
Je n’ai pas accusé Campaign Research Inc. de s’être livré à des activités criminelles dans l’affaire des appels téléphoniques robotisés lors de la campagne électorale du printemps 2011 et je n’ai pas non plus tenté de transmettre cette idée. Mes propos exacts étaient que cette entreprise, comme d’autres, avait la taille et la capacité organisationnelle de participer à des stratégies visant à influencer le résultat d’une élection. En fait, la dernière partie de mon commentaire était : « Alors, j’espère que les enquêteurs s’attarderont aux autres entreprises qui travaillent pour le Parti conservateur. »
En tant que député, je n’ai pas seulement le droit, mais aussi le devoir de commenter des enjeux d’actualité qui sont importants pour la démocratie et les affaires publiques.
Pat Martin
Member of Parliament
Winnipeg Centre-30-
Category: Canadian Politics
Richard Ciano’s bid to run the PCPO
My friend Richard Ciano is running for the Presidency of the PC Party of Ontario. He’s launching his campaign tonight in a simultaneous telephone townhall/live townhall/live webcast event.
His slogan is “Time to win” which really cuts to it for a lot of Ontario Tories. Clear messaging has always been a hallmark of Ciano and his pal Nick Kouvalis who ran Rob Ford’s “Stop the Gravy Train Campaign”. The event kicks off at 7:00pm and I’ve embedded the video below.
You can join the telephone townhall at 1-877-229-8493 and enter ID code 19167
Other candidates for the Presidency include Kevin Gaudet and John Snobelen.
CBC got it wrong on Rob Ford
Police Chief Bill Blair has released the following statement:
Statement from Chief William Blair
Friday, October 28, 2011 – 4:53 PM
“While it is not my practice to comment on 9-1-1 calls made to TPS emergency operators, serious allegations have been made about what was said during a series of three calls involving the mayor, and whether there was any abuse of the 9-1-1 service.
“I’m concerned that this may have created confusion with the public about whether to call 9-1-1 or not. I cannot allow that to happen. Public safety is too important. Let me be clear. Anyone who has concerns for their safety, or the safety of their family, should call 9-1-1 without hesitation.
“I also feel it is necessary to set the record straight about the conversations. There have been no complaints by any members of the TPS about the 9-1-1 conversations.
“The content of those conversations has been misrepresented by what are claimed to be “several anonymous sources,” presumably from within the TPS, in which case I have to set the record straight. I have listened to the three emergency calls. The mayor did not use the word “bitches,” attributed to him by those “several anonymous sources.” The mayor did not describe himself as the original account claimed.
“Emergency calls involve people who are under stress, trying to communicate with emergency operators. Those operators work under great pressure, trying to get vital information from people, who are extremely anxious, so the proper police resources can be deployed. Our emergency operators are extremely well trained, equipped to deal with the most difficult situations. What is most important, above all else, is that public safety is protected.”
William Blair
Chief of Police
Earlier: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Called 911 Dispatchers “Bitches” After TV Encounter (Report):
“You … bitches! Don’t you f–king know? I’m Rob Ford, the f—king, the mayor of this city!” the politician told emergency phone operators, the CBC alleged Thursday.