IWA June 4th, 2006

Hey folks,

It’s Sunday, time for the IWA. Actually this week, it does not go far from what we have been talking about. Politicians, and the games they play.

And the award goes to??? Former Immigration Minister Joe Volpe of Canada. It seems that he was pretty smart in finding a way to circumvent the Elections Act, which says companies cannot donate to leadership campaigns and limits individual contributions to C$5,400. Which is about $4,900 US.

How did he do this? It appears that a pair of 11-year-old twins and their 14-year-old brother had each donated C$5,400 to his leadership campaign. The Parents of these children also donated the same amount.

I can only hope that Joshua has $4,900 when he is 11 that he would like to donate back to the family to help with this outrages cost of raising him.{smile}.

But the problem is, these parents and kids, are related to the chairman of generic drug maker Apotex Inc.

Here’s why he receives the IWA. His spokesperson Corey Hobbs, said,

"All the donations were in complete compliance with the law but the perception was not good and that's why they were returned,"

As you could expect, he is getting quite a bit of attention for this. I LOVE this phrase folks, according to New Democrat legislator Pat Martin.

"The Liberal Party is like an egg-sucking dog ... they dig under the fence to get at that money and they just can't be cured. With an egg-sucking dog, all you can do is put them down,"

This one is pretty good to, by Ottawa Sun columnist Greg Weston,

"Apparently all across the land, teenagers with a few hundred grand to burn are asking themselves: 'Do I buy a new sports car or support a long-shot for the Liberal leadership? Ferrari or Volpe?'"

Well at least we know we do not corner the market on stupid politicians. Congratulations Mr. Volpe, you ARE the Idiot of The Week.
Peter