No doubt many of you have seen this today, where in an exclusive TV interview with CBC, the director of CSIS levels serious accusations that a couple of cabinet ministers in provincial governments and perhaps in BC’s municipal governments are suspected being in the control of “foreign governments”.
I find the public timing of this declaration odd: first off, why would CSIS publicly admit they were suspicious of this and be so specific about where they were looking for Manchurian candidates? Doesn’t that alert those folks CSIS is watching them/investigating them and compromise the investigation? Also, I’m pretty sure that the Prime Minister and/or the Cabinet would have to publicly approve any statements that the director of CSIS would make like this. They surely must have known and approved he was going to level those accusations in public. If that is the case, and the director of CSIS hasn’t gone rogue and publicly mused about this on his own, why would the Conservative government put out a potential “spy scandal” right before all the G8/G20 leaders arrive?
I’m not an expert in any of this of course, but wouldn’t you normally level the accusations either in private, to indicate to these folks under suspicion to back off, or have the RCMP investigate this? Odd timing, as I say, unless Harper wants to tick the Chinese off before they arrive here, since that is the country that is specifically mentioned as a threat for doing this type of stuff.
This was released to the CBC for a specific purpose/reason/motive. Make no mistake.
UPDATE @ 11:55 am: Supposedly, the PMO knows nothing about this. I’m a tad sceptical; particularly when Mcfadden is quoted as saying in that CBC interview he’s been in discussions with the Privy Council Office, which is the official policy wing of the government. The PMO claims it doesn’t know the PCO has been in discussions with CSIS? C’mon guys, give a better excuse then that.
Since the CBC is all right wing now, or so some folks think, they should do a huge expose of Strong, his ties to the Liberal party of Canada and how his influence over the global warming debate stands to make him a great deal of money.
And with perfect timing, Canadian Liberal figurehead, Maurice Strong, from his secret hideout in China, demands in the UK Guardian that people ignore Glenn Beck.
Strong’s big in the global warming thingy, big with the Liberals and hides out in China. It’s a PR trifecta.
@ridenrain, with comments like that it’s easy to see you didnt pay attention in school.
An education is a terrible thing to waste Ridenrain. Get one before it’s too late.
Or are you just doing your shill job? http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100523/government-online-forums-100523/20100523
Stop wasting my tax dollars Ridenrain.
@ridenrain, you played with mercury as a child, didn’t you?
It’s about time CSIS got working on this. I’ve long suspected someone in the PMO of being an agent of the USA. =P
RCMP Sidewinder report was shut down under Chretien and the press for The Friendly Dictatorship never picked up on it. Leaking tid-bits gets folks so interested it couldn’t be shut down again.
Maybe Iggy might want to hold off on his trip to China.
@ridenrain, Why is Iggy going to China? He does not represent this country in any way?
@kjmartin, Good point. It should be remembered every time Harper puts the onus on the opposition for governing.
@ridenrain, a bit of subject changing Ridenrain. Not providing proof of your claim (no articles for reference) and a claim of a liberal bias in media (not proven by you either) is not a valid argument.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100523/government-online-forums-100523/20100523
Stop wasting my tax dollars Ridenrain.
The timing is very suspicious. On a separate note China is already favouring George Smitherman as Mayor of Toronto. Why is the Chinese consulate only sending one candidate to China? Looks like interference to me.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontomayoralrace/article/820814–china-paying-for-george-smitherman-s-trip-to-mayors-forum
@Toe, I note that CSIS said nothing about municipal candidates in Ontario, Toe. I’d be careful what you insinuate.
@Scott Tribe, Perhaps you should follow your own advice Scott. Your whole blog is full of insinuations!
Bet none of those under suspicion are Harper supporters. What a drive by smear and it smears everyone.