Darren Cunningham, a spokesperson for Industry Minister Tony Clement, is saying that Diane Ablonczy is still Tourism Minister "as far as he knows" and that no heads are expected to roll over the controversy about federal money to Gay Pride. See previous post. Rob Taylor, Ms. Ablonczy's chief of staff, has said in an email that he doesn't know where all this buzz is coming from. He's at work, on the job and planning to stay that way.
We have asked Ms. Ablonczy, Mr. Trost and the PMO for comment on this story today, and all such requests in all those offices, are being referred to Darren Cunningham. So I guess that's the ultimate word on things, for today.
The question isn't if Ablonczy is still Tourism Minister.
The question should be, is why would you think there anything wrong with funding the Gay Pride parade?
Posted by: Darwin O'Connor | July 07, 2009 at 01:33 PM
The question is - what kind of narrow minded bigots do we have currently running our nation?
Posted by: Wascally Wabbit | July 07, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Question should be what kind of response is the PMO going to have for a backbench MP making up things about cabinet minister?
Posted by: Roy | July 07, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Rise up backbenchers. Time to show some courage. This is your issue. It's indisputable. This grant is not compatable the views of the average backbencher or party member. The PMO can't touch you on this one. Take a few swings; bloody some noses. Stand up for your true party principles.
Posted by: John W. | July 07, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Darwin, why should any money go to fund a parade? Let those who want to see the parade fund it themselves.
Posted by: Phil | July 07, 2009 at 04:24 PM
wow, tough questions to field. Is the Minister still the Minister?
I think there was a successful sitcom in Britain based on these guys.
Posted by: Cam | July 07, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Phil, using your argument, why should my tax dollars fund anything that you want. If you want your toilet to flush then you should pay for it because I sure don't want my tax dollars going to giving you indoor plumbing. Then again, Phil we live in a society and you don't get your way all the time.
Posted by: Jamie | July 08, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I sill do not understand what this tempest in a teacup is all about??
Mr. Michael Ignatieff, the new leader of Liberal Party of Canada, wanted to cast himself in the eyes Canadian public as a populist politician and he wanted to march in Gay Pride Parade in downtown Toronto. Ms. Ablonczy decided to accommodate his wish and she made sure that Toronto Gay Pride Parade went as planned. This is not news, this is old style politics; I scratch your back when you need it and you scratch my back when I need it.
Michael Ignatieff is a grown up man who has ambitions to become next Prime Minister of Canada and Canadian government of the day has an obligation to nurture and prepare him for that job.
If Mr. Michael Ignatieff decides to hang himself while he is waiting to become next Prime Minister of Canada, Canadian government of the day is dully obliged to supply Mr. Ignatieff with as much rope as it takes to get that job done properly.
This is a very serious issue and it cannot be taken lightly.
If Canadian government of the day fails to supply a rope to Mr. Ignatieff while he is the Prime Minister in Waiting and decides to hang himself, and than Mr. Ignatieff becomes a Prime Minister of Canada one day and than one day he decides to jump over the cliff and take us with him the damage inflicted in such scenario is very difficult to predict.
Considering magnitude of a potential national disaster that government of the day was able to avert with this $400,000.00 dollars grant to the Gay Pride Parade in Toronto Ms. Ablonczy should be given the Order of Canada for being one of the most astute, foresightful and responsible politicians in Ottawa.
Posted by: karol | July 08, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Rise up backbenchers, posted by John W july 07 2009
Real good advice John W. but unfortunately advice that the Liberal party of Canada does not follow: just look at the social engineering of the 90's under Chretien, Martin & Dion that whipped their back benchers into voting along party lines. At least this current Prime Minister provides his caucus a free vote in Parliament when it comes to votes of social concience. e.g. the vote on same sex marriage and the vote on amendments to the abortion law.
Posted by: Rich | July 10, 2009 at 01:35 PM