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Privacy czar looking into ‘leaked' report on jailed Canadian

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 6:32 PM EDT 28/03/08

Media outlet gets report detailing consular contacts woman imprisoned in Mexico ...Read the full article

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  1. Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: Poor Brenda Martin is now upset because the information that she withheld is now public knowledge. After all, our government maintained contact with her all along and she wasn't the poor character that was left to rot alone in Mexico, as she wanted to be seen. I wonder what other information she is still withholding.
  2. D F from Canada writes: Short article and Charles Brown still can't read - Brenda Martin did not make the complaint.
  3. Ruth Walker from Edmonton, Canada writes: Charles Brown and Wilf Kruggel would change their tunes in a trice, were something similar to happen to them.

    Eternal Affairs goes through the motions. So what? They have always been pretty useless.

    The Canadian public can solve this problem by boycotting Mexico. We should do that anyway, at least until their crime stats involving Canadians improve a whole lot. Let's send them a message they won't want to ignore!
  4. Henry IV from Chelsea, Canada writes: Ahem... Helena G.. just what have you been up to? After all didn't you leak Dion's travel itinerary when he went to Afghanistan? And weren't you in hot water about hitting the cocktail party instead of visiting Martin? And didn't you awkwardly dodge CTV W5 reporters and blow off an announcement to avoid media because of your inattention to this file? I'm not pointing fingers... just wondering...
  5. Catherine S. from Canada writes: DF - Brenda Martin DID state that she found it 'horrendous' in the CTV interview. And that she did participate in the beauty pageant so that she could sing and dance 3 hours per evening. And that she turned down visit because 'they' were not 'nice'. And she 'raised' her voice.

    While she is presumed innocent, there is something strange with this story. However, because she has become the media darling, the media will not pursue all angles of the story.

  6. C Dione from Canada writes: This lady is a clown now whe is whinning about this document, noit because of her privacy concerns, but because it takes her thunder away from saying the gov't isn't doing enough.. I am franly tired of her!!!
  7. eLysa Duff from toronto, Canada writes: Why is this commentary thread not attached to the original?
  8. eLysa Duff from toronto, Canada writes: I never thought the G@M was a place to spew unwarrented , unsubstantiated bile - power to the press (yes!) but are you guys seeing what the result is?
  9. Kevin Redmond from Waterloo, Canada writes: Wow, it's amazing how the media the Liberals and people have been played for fools by this ex-patriot Mexican resident.

    Sure every private detail of her life is fine to share as long as it makes our current government look bad! But as soon as a hint of dishonesty shows from her, her life becomes private.

    Maybe there were reasons our government hadn't been acting as the media and Liberals had been demanding?

    Maybe because there was private information which made them act otherwise?

    Those maybes are no longer 'maybes'.
  10. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: The more I read and hear about this woman the more unsympathetic I become to her situation. I believe she is manipulating anyone who comes near and no more so than the unquestioning media who gobble up and sensationalize these stories a la The National Enquirer!
  11. Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: Ruth Walker, I have worked overseas since 1978 and not once did I get in trouble, and i might add, I have worked in alot of countries. If you conduct yourself in a civilized fashion, you will be OK, but act like a drunken idiot then you get what you deserve. Ruth, does that answer your question? Wilf
  12. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes: Kevin Redmond from Waterloo, Canada writes: Wow, it's amazing how the media the Liberals and people have been played for fools by this ex-patriot Mexican resident.

    Sure every private detail of her life is fine to share as long as it makes our current government look bad! But as soon as a hint of dishonesty shows from her, her life becomes private.

    Maybe there were reasons our government hadn't been acting as the media and Liberals had been demanding?

    Maybe because there was private information which made them act otherwise?

    Those maybes are no longer 'maybes'.

    Still just maybe's Kevin. Nothing has been substantiated. Are you hopinng that he Commih doesn't find out who the government leak was. Now that's transparency for you !
  13. Vern McPherson from writes: Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: Those whimpy liberals are grabing at what ever they can to be seen and heard. Dan Mcteague is a disgrace to politics. Martin made her bed and it's for her to sleep in. The next thing she'll be sueing for millions. CANADIANS HAVE NO RESPECT FOR LEECHES!!!!!!!!!! Wilf

    ------------------------------------------------------------

    wilffie - judge and jury. WOW !!

    And you ask me if I have any brains dufus .............
  14. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Not only is the report leaked to the press by the COns it isn't accurate. Martin herself denies there were this many contacts.

    If there were this many contacts ad the Can govt was doing all this good stuff the case wouldn't be front and centre would it ? LOL !!!
  15. aging oldtool from Canada writes: Good on the Liberals for finally grabbing onto this ugly little leak.

    I mentioned that aspect in yesterday's story on Martin but missed the privacy angle.

    Still as I stated then, this incident sounds like a rerun of the Khadr interviews by Canadian consular staff, the contents of which were copied and handed over unedited to US intelligence.

    It also rings very much like the Mahar Arar case did, where piles of info and speculation in the hands of Canada's security people were given to the US, helping to convince the Yanks to send Mahar Arar to Syria for some involuntary debriefing.

    And just like that first (that we know of), incident, the three monkeys, known as Heard Nothing, Saw Nothing and Know Nothing, are being called in again to clarify things.

  16. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Her own MP the COns from trenton said last year in February she should be in jail and refused to even return Martin's mother's phone calls ..................... until he received orders form the head office PMO that is after Paul Martin visited the woman in jail ............. 2 weeks ago.

    ROTFLMAO !!!!!
  17. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Gee. I wonder what the Harper Conservatives talking points are...

    Time to send certain members of Foreign Affairs some Depends, for those embarrassing leaks.
  18. scott thomas from Canada writes: Start looking in the PMO. They've learned from Cheney, haven't they?
  19. Sue W from Canada writes: Canada has 10 consular offices in Mexico.

    And no one from the opposition bothered to corraberate Ms. Martin's version of events with Foreign Affairs. Neither Martin, or McTeague and their flock of advisors or assistants.

    Are these people really that stupid.
  20. Stan L from Canada writes: There is something REALLY fishy with this story. First off, I give the women the full benefit of my doubt as to her guilt specifically and most compelling is the fact that her former employer has always claimed she knew nothing of the crime and wasn't involved.......BUT, as to the government handling, IF she had all of these visits...then why where they not held up right away and waved front and center to assert the Conservatives claim that she was being taken care of......and IF all fo the visits actually did occur, then they are the lamest bunch in the world at getting anything done.....it's nice to have a friendly visit, but when you are in jail unjustly, I think i would forgo the visit for some news about progress on my case.........This stinks.....
  21. Murray Marshall from Canada writes: Bill Woodcock makes a good point. Why is it fair ball for Brenda Martin and her supporters to say anything and everything they please to discredit the government - but it is 'horrendous' for the government to issue a brief summary of facts that shed another light on the affair? Also, how does the fact that Martin denies the government's report make it 'inaccurate'. Is anything that comes from her mouth now assumed to be unquestionably true?
  22. Sally L from Ottawa, Canada writes: Hey Vern....The truth hurts, eh. If it was leaked by the pmo, do you blame them? All you libs kept spewing crap out that the Cons haven't been doing a thing on this file. Now that it's out that they have all this time, you guys are upset????? Stop embarrassing yourself and your party. And Vern, how's old Dion doing. You must be proud.
  23. neil b from edmonton, Canada writes: This lady is taking us all for a ride. Her story changes daily and she is hostile to all those who try to help.

    Perhaps Brenda can be removed from Mexico under a mental health warrant. Whoa...she is crafty.
  24. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: Yup, she's on the radio and national TV telling us why we should feel sorry for her but now suddenly her privacy has been violated?
    I think I'm beginning to see why she ended up in jail.
    She's just not very smart.
  25. p m from Canada writes: the pmo now complains about a leak.

    kill the messenger!

    cover-up for the boys, but no action on the woman!
  26. Nancy Wilson from N.Ontario, Canada writes: Mrs Whiggins.
    Cut it out now.
    You know those depends belong to George Smitherman!
  27. Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: Ruth Walker from Edmonton, Canada writes: Charles Brown and Wilf Kruggel would change their tunes in a trice, were something similar to happen to them.

    Eternal Affairs goes through the motions. So what? They have always been pretty useless.

    The Canadian public can solve this problem by boycotting Mexico. We should do that anyway, at least until their crime stats involving Canadians improve a whole lot. Let's send them a message they won't want to ignore!

    * Posted 28/03/08 at 6:54 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Just wait till her trial and you will see.
  28. Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: Just curious why this is still in the news on the G&M and CTV? Is it because these two media units are attached to the Federal Liberals?
  29. Blaque Jacque Shallaque from Canada writes: Enough of this silly woman. It's increasingly looking like she is the one to blame for her arrival and prolonged stay in a Mexican jail.

    Canada has more pressing issues....
  30. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    CTV GM and the Liberals have once again tried to smear the Conservatives and it has back fired. When the truth comes out, it has to appear from leaks, how else would we get objective information and truth through a media which is obsessed supporting a political party which has lost their credibility.
    This is a case of cry Wolf too often by the Liberals to deflect from their dysfunction which is once again brought to light.
  31. aging oldtool from Canada writes: Note to Charle Brown and Bert Russell Papadox. The secret to using talking points is to at least put the message into your own words so readers don't think the Globe erred and ran one post twice.

    CTV and the Globe, Canada's two most radical leftie news outlets.

    You mean George Brown's still running things down at the Globe?
  32. John Connor from Canada writes: If she didn't want to live in a fish bowl, she should have suffered the consequences of living in a foreign country without the proper papers. What did she expect would happen? Her private life would stay the same, all the while ranting about her treatment, and the lack of attention by Canadians and their government? WTF is up with that? Her 15 minutes are up IMHO.
  33. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: Whoops...there goes part of Dion's election platform...'Bring Brenda Martin Home.' Guess he's left with just bringing little Omar Kadr home now.
  34. Erik Richards from Winnipeg, MB, writes: I'm sorry, but I'm getting a little tired about hearing about this woman.

    Listening to Brenda Martin on the news today it sounds like she thinks the government should launch an assault on the prison to get her out. While I agree that the Mexican government seems to moving far too slowly on this, people have to remember - if you're going to visit/live/work in a foreign country you are subject to that country's laws and the Canadian government can only do so much to help.

    I have always found it distasteful when people or groups attack the government - regardless of the party in power - and yet the government is criticized for making its case. If the facts are as it now appears it changes the story dramatically.
  35. bob saunders from Belleville Ontario, Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes:
    Not only is the report leaked to the press by the COns it isn't accurate. Martin herself denies there were this many contacts.

    -------------------------- LIKE SHE IS BELIEVABLE. I believe when her story first came out she said they hadn't visited her once.
  36. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: 'D F from Canada writes: Short article and Charles Brown still can't read - Brenda Martin did not make the complaint.'

    ----------

    charles brown still makes a valid point. brenda martin, the canadian from mexico, seemingly lied.

    'Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: Just curious why this is still in the news on the G&M and CTV? Is it because these two media units are attached to the Federal Liberals?'

    ----------

    the globe and mail article doesnt point it out (other media sources do) but Paul Macklin (organizer of the save brenda rally), is the Liberal candidate for Northumberland-Quinte West.
  37. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: So McTeague is now complaining that Martin's privacy has been invaded. This is the man who railed against the government's insensitivity to Martin and how cold and uncompassionate the Harper government was.
    So the government reacts to defend itself and now McTeague and his ilk are saying her privacy rights have been violated.
    Can you believe the arrogance of this man and his weak leader? Only in Canada you say!
    The Liberal party makes outrageous accusations day after day and they expect the government is not going to defend itself.
    These are the kind of partisan actions that are going to turn Canadians off with the Liberal party.
    Many Canadians are now questioning the sincerity of Ms. Martin as she complains about the lack of action by the government. She is being disingenuous to put it kindly.
  38. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: this is for those who feel the current canadian government does nothing to help canadians in trouble abroad (please note the final paragraph of this post):

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper and two of his most trusted ministers have for more than a year been quietly pressuring the Bulgarian government to transfer home to Canada Michael Kapoustin, a Canadian businessman jailed overseas since 1996 on charges of fraud and embezzlement.

    Despite numerous diplomatic efforts - Bulgaria refuses to transfer a man it once labelled an international swindler. As a result, Canada is turning up the heat, invoking for the first time an international treaty that forces the unco-operative Bulgarian government into mediation talks.

    Canada's efforts to win a transfer came to an abrupt end in 2005 when Liberal MP Dan McTeague, then the parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, wrote Kapoustin a devastating letter.
    'Canadian officials cannot seek preferential treatment for you or try to exempt you from the due process of local law,' the letter said. 'Regretfully, there is no further possible action to be taken ... by the government of Canada.'
  39. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: For all the bleeding hearts and socialists on this thread when you go to another country you are expected to obey their laws. If you get in trouble the only responsibility the Canadian government has is to make sure you are treated fairly and have due process. That's it nothing more. Obviously the government does everything they can. However, they cannot interfer in the judicial process of another sovereign country just like we would not allow it to happen in Canada. Nobody knows if Martin is guility or innocent. However, with her perpetual appearances she is rapidly losing support of the Canadian public.
  40. Just In from Canada writes: Seems like CYA and optics are more important than rescuing a Canadian who is on the verge of suicide. Making Brenda Martin look bad is not going to help the cabinet minister look good. This is really disappointing and is the worst form of deflection from an elected official.
  41. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: the government has done nothing to make brenda martin look bad. brenda martin made brenda martin look bad.
  42. Just In from Canada writes: James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: the government has done nothing to make brenda martin look bad. brenda martin made brenda martin look bad.>>>> Still it doesn't make the minister look good if indeed there is a breach of privacy. As an analogy, in our system of law, even the accused is given the benefit of the doubt until proven guilty, and indeed officials generally do not comment or hint on cases before the courts so that the accused is not prejudiced. This apparent leak is against the spirit of good governance, even if it is not against the law to do so.
  43. George Wardrope from Canada writes: Hey Ruth Walker, maybe we as Canadians should avoid the 20 or so other countries that have a higher per-capita rate of incidences reported by Canadians travelling to foreign countries. As with travelling to any country, one must be aware of their surroundings, etc. This lady, like what often happens with consular cases, is trying to make a political point, nothing else, and has finally been caught at distorting the truth. She broke her own privacy by false statements against a body (the Government) that she felt couldn't legally respond and tell the truth.
  44. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: 'Just In from Canada writes: Still it doesn't make the minister look good if there is a breach of privacy. As an analogy... do not comment or hint on cases before the courts so that the accused is not prejudiced. This apparent leak is against the spirit of good governance, even if it is not against the law to do so.'

    ----------

    when you rely on someone for assistance you dont do what brenda martin did. and that is to say, you dont allege that theyre doing nothing for you when in fact they are.

    i dont know if whatever was recently leaked in those documents constitutes a crime but i'm happy to discover that what brenda martin said about the government not helping her was simply not true. canadians should be happy to hear that (its what some on here have been clamouring for openly), but the hatred of the conservatives runs so deep in some people that they dont want to believe that the government is actually helping martin out.
  45. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: It seems that the Conservative government has been embarrassed and think nothing of breaking privacy rules to distract the voters on this issue. Nonetheless, the fact remains that Harper, in contradiction to his statements to the contrary, can get this woman out of Mexico with a single call to the Mexican President. According to Mexican officials, the President has such power and that Mexico has a desire to use it to get rid of this embarrassing situation. No amount of leaks of what the Canadian government has done will erase the fact that the problem could be solved simply and Harper refuses to act.

    In related news, the Toronto Star is reporting that the federal government refused to sign a deal between the U.S. government and Marc Emery. Marc Emergy paid taxes on the money that he made and only provided what could be obtained elsewhere. Yet, the government apparently views Marc Emery as a threat and has taken an ideological stand.
  46. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Only some sorts of Canadians can expect even a meager, muted and pussillaminous response from Canada's New Government under Stephen Harper depending uponwhere you are. And, apparently, who you are. Ms. Martin and Ceilil are just not up-to-snuff-enough-Canadians to deserve much more than a half-hearted effort to assure justice. For proof? Canada has lost track of the poor hapless Ceilil, though he likely deserves all that befalls him fer shur, likely because he isn't going to vote for a Harper Conservative may he twist in the wind or be lost in the dark woods of fate. He's a man though, bless him.
    On the other hand, a Canadian woman, well, she deserves it somehow.
    Simply not a good enough Canadians to make the Harper Conservatives care.
    Pretty despicable foreign policy I daresay, but par for the course, eh?
  47. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: haha ....
  48. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Pretty funny and a laughing matter for some of the script readers that Canadians are left behind for the face of some two-bit, tin-pot dictator or human rights scofflaw.

    Way to stand up for Canada! is all I'm saying.

    And, Canadians, think twice when you travel; sometimes your Flag means nothing, even back home.

    Sad.
  49. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: mrs whiggins you're right on one point. think twice when you travel. meaning THINK about what and who you get involved with when you travel. btw, brenda martin wasnt travelling when she was arrested. she was a long term (and illegal) resident of mexico.
  50. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Uh huh, James C. Got proof?

    The answer is, NO.

    Doesn't matter since the Harper Conservatives have published the talking points and smear factors for Ms. Martin, a Canadian kept in limbo in Mexico for two years while her bona fide felon bosses have been dealt with by the US. The US? Do you think it might be important in the Canadian Ms. Martin case to inquire, diplomatically, what the actual case and evidence might be against this Canadian that the US have not deigned to prosecute? Why did the US take her bosses and leave her to Mexican justice if she was involved?

    Why are 'so-called criminal Ms. Martin's' cahooters in US prison and under US protection and law if Ms Martin was in there like a dirty shirt as her detractors say?

    Does Stephen Harper have to duck and jive to the US government as well as salsa to the Mexican?

    Lord. Help us. And Ms. Martin. It is clear she doesn't have a prayer in PM Stephen Harper, his script writers, nor his avid readers. Amen.

    No skin off your nose, James C. Read the words, type the words, and don't stop. Get paid. It's all in the script.
  51. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: BTW, Ms. Martin's so-called cohorts are Canadians too. If the US justice system is good enough for Ms. Martin's Canadian employers, why not Canadian her?

    Sad. Sadly, Canada's New Government is of the out-of-sight, out-of-mind school. Hence Canada's Prime Minister employs an astrologer. And Ms. Muntean, that poor Canadian sap, happens to have been born under a bad sign. Or living under one. Only an astrologer can say for sure, because Canada sure doesn't have a coherent message.
  52. Michael Powers from Canada writes: The Canadian Government should do all it can legally do to help Brenda Martin get a fair trial as soon as possible. The government should send observers to the trial to ensure that it is fair and that she is not being railroaded. If it appears that the trial is unfair, then the government should intervene at the highest levels to get her home. If the trial is fair and the evidence does prove her guilt or innocence, then our duty to Brenda is done.

    She is not an individual that inspires trust and her story changes as the moment requires. The leak of the document does show that she has not been upfront or honest with the people of this country, if she tries this with the Mexicans, she will probably spend an awful lot of time in custody.

    There is a demonstration on the Hill today to show support for her, those of you that support her, should travel to Ottawa, and show your support with your presence and money. If you live too far away to make the trip, you can always donate to the 'Get Brenda Home' fund, Information on how to do this is on the web.
  53. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Ah so Micheal Powers, there was a leak you say. Good thing that it won't hurt the Canadian Ms. Martin.

    Right from the script at myCampaign.

    You're neck and neck with James C for best partisan sticking to the script so far!

    You should be proud.
  54. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: nothing scripted from me mrs whiggins. the proof? the proof is out there if you are willing to see it. and what i write here are nothing but the facts as i discern them from the news and my own personal feelings.
  55. aging oldtool from Canada writes: Someone on one of these G&M forums recently opined that if you travel out of Canada you had best be prepared to follow the laws of the country you visit.

    May I add that if you travel out of country your best insurance against the nightmare this suicidal woman is enduring is to spend $10 dollars and take out a CPC membership.

    I'm sure you all remember that rather sage tv ad of a few years ago that ran with the punchline 'membership has it's privilages.'

    The value of that advice doubles when it's a scizophrenic minority.
  56. Vern McPherson from writes:
    Children ask yourselves who would benefit from this leak ? Certainly not Ms Martin since she has denied publically on TV 's W5 or whatever that she has had minimal contact with consulate personell. PLus her own MP has said she is guilty as rarly as ladt Feb, thet's Feb 07 and HE REFUSED TO RETURN MARTIN'S MOM'S PHONE CALLS ACCORDING TO THE OLD WOMAN.

    Now who benefits ? The taliban ? Tibet ? Or the COns ?
  57. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: I have a good idea....since she's so convinced Martin should be back in Canada, let's send Mrs. Wiggins to Mexico in her place :-)
  58. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Vern, you're up early. Your wives kick you out of bed? :-)
  59. Henry Wysmulek from Winnipeg, writes: Another lying liberal caught in her own web of lies.

    As for boycotting Mexico, are you kidding? Why would anyone boycott a country for arresting criminals?

    How dare anyone arrest a High and Mighty Canadian!

    The question should be, what's wrong with Canadians that they seem to be running into so much trouble in Mexico>
  60. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: now thats a good question henry.... ^|^
  61. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: A prime example of media fueled political opportunism. The government is being attacked for supposedly ignoring the alleged problems Ms Martin has been having. A decision was made, either unofficially or officially (either of which was fully justified) to correct that now obvious misinformation. This guy McTeague is desperately seeking his day in the sun, no doubt goaded on by his equally desperate party by making irresponsible statements to support his agenda and, as planned, the government is on a contrived carpet and getting a ton of negative media coverage. A crime was committed in Mexico and an individual has already been convicted. Ms. Martin has been accused of working for the criminal without a permit, which also a crime for which she is awaiting a court hearing. We are not sure if there are any other charges pending against her but, considering the maneuvering she has undertaken that has delayed her trial, the more that is published the more it seems there is more to this mess. In the meantime the goverment has been placed in a position where anything they do and say to help her is twisted into unwarranted criticism. It would be wrong, politically, to simply walk away from the affair but, in my book, that is exactly what they should do. Let hero McTeague take over and see what is gets him. I wonder if he has a vested interest in the book that will surely evolve. Shut up Ms Martin. You made your bed. Sleep in it.
  62. True North from Canada writes: In standard Harper fashion, the government chooses to deal with its incompetence on this file by smearing Ms. Martin's name instead of fighting for her rights. When someone smears Harper's name, he immediately sues them; I hope Ms. Martin does the same.
  63. Michael Powers from Canada writes: Sorry Ms. Whiggins, I didn't check the Conservative talking points before I made my comments regarding Brenda Martin's coming trial. Heck, I wouldn't even know where to find them.
    If the Conservatives are pushing for a speedy fair trial for this woman then I agree with them.
    She made accusations that she had received no help from the Canadian Consular people and this 'leak' has proved that she had not been truthful.
    The only person that I've heard saying that we should get her back without a trial was an NDP Member (Paul) Dewar. I doubt that will happen.
  64. Michael Powers from Canada writes: True North from Canada - in case you didn't know - Stephane Dion sued the leader of the Bloc and recently that case was settled. Harper is not the only one that sues.
  65. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: 'True North from Canada writes: In standard Harper fashion, the government chooses to deal with its incompetence on this file by smearing Ms. Martin's name instead of fighting for her rights. When someone smears Harper's name, he immediately sues them; I hope Ms. Martin does the same.'

    ----------

    brenda martin lied about not receiving assistance from consular officials. she smeared herself.
  66. S M from Canada writes: True North from Canada writes: In standard Harper fashion, the government chooses to deal with its incompetence on this file by smearing Ms. Martin's name instead of fighting for her rights. When someone smears Harper's name, he immediately sues them; I hope Ms. Martin does the same.

    Why are Libs always so mad when the truth comes out.

    Brenda Martin and her 'friends' had no problem smearing the Government all over the media telling everyone about how little the Gov't was doing, how poorly treated she was by Canadian external affairs.......now when the truth comes out it's suddenly an invasion of privacy and the Gov'ts fault for disclosing the truth.

    She wasn't concerned about privacy when it was all her $hitting on the Gov't.

    Hmmmm seems her credibility is not so good after all...

    Everyone in prison is innocent don't ya know...

    If Brenda Martin was prepared to lie and CON the Canadian public about the Gov'ts response to her situtation, maybe she knows more about fraud and scams then she would like everyone to beleive.
  67. S M from Canada writes: I dont think Dan ( Canada's Gas Price Beatch) McTeague should get off lightly either. He's obviousy a blowhard who cant stand the truth and facts either.

    Jumped on the poor Brenda bandwagon and now is trying to cover his a$$ by again blaming the Govt.

    You screwed up Mcteague.

    Maybe its because his judgement is so bad that after all these years his own party hasn't done anything with him except keep him as a nobody back bencher.
  68. James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China writes: this is for those who feel the current canadian government does nothing to help canadians in trouble abroad (note the final paragraph of this post):

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper and two of his most trusted ministers have for more than a year been quietly pressuring the Bulgarian government to transfer home to Canada Michael Kapoustin, a Canadian businessman jailed overseas since 1996 on charges of fraud and embezzlement.

    Despite numerous diplomatic efforts - Bulgaria refuses to transfer a man it once labelled an international swindler. As a result, Canada is turning up the heat, invoking for the first time an international treaty that forces the unco-operative Bulgarian government into mediation talks.

    Canada's efforts to win a transfer came to an abrupt end in 2005 when Liberal MP Dan McTeague, then the parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs, wrote Kapoustin a devastating letter.
    'Canadian officials cannot seek preferential treatment for you or try to exempt you from the due process of local law,' the letter said. Regretfully, there is no further possible action to be taken ... by the government of Canada.'
  69. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Short summary: -A Canadian woman decided to take up residency and employment in Mexico without the legal right. -Her employer of choice was involved in illegal activity, arrested, tried and convicted and is now imprisoned. -He swore an affidavit that his employee - the woman in question - had no idea what he had been up to irrespective of the fact she lived in his house for many years. Hardly credible and why did he do it? -Being an employee, the woman is also investigated and is found to be an illegally employed alien, arrested and jailed, pending trial. -Justice moves slowly in Mexico as it does in many countries including her own. -She says she has occupied herself with entertaining children and involvement in a beauty pageant. She also got the ear of the resident Canadian foreign office and others, seeking their help. -Response to her pleas is representation to the Mexican authorities with a request for information regarding the charges against her and subsequently a request to speed up the trail. No request to release her because Canada has no status with respect to Mexican law enforcement. -An opportunistic Canadian politician - from the opposition party - seizes on a chance to show the Canadian government as having ignored the woman’s pleas for assistance. -The media gets involved and sees the potential for some news that can be sensationalized and to show the government and it representatives in a bad light. A great deal of public sympathy is the intended and achieved result. -The more that is printed and said about the matter and the more interviews that follow gradually cast a different light on the affair and some contradictory truths emerge. Sympathy for the woman’s teary eyed, self serving protestation and accusations regarding lack of government support gradually wanes, among individuals with open minds who like to learn both sides of a story. -The end of the saga will be much different than the beginning
  70. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Ms. Martin violated her own privacy rights when she complained that the government was doing nothing for her. (Appears to be on behalf of advice from someone on a political agenda mission). She has now alienated two Nations. Mexico and Canada. Bad advice! Keep your mouth shut (especially if you are innocent) and let the government officials work behind the scenes as it appears was the case. Good advice! Courts have ruled that lawyer client privilege is likewise violated by the client when the client brings up discussions with their lawyer therefore making the privilege null and void. In the search for truth, both sides must be presented. If one is lying, then don't expect the truth to be supressed. Makes sense to me. The Canadian Government's role is solely as an observer and to ensure Ms. Martin will, in the end, have a fair trial and is not abused while in custody. Beauty pageants don't appear to be abuse nor does working in a nursery. Now, I realize there are some here that would classify work as an abuse of their Charter Rights but it appears, in this case, that the work is voluntary. Therefore that argument doesn't hold merit. Canadians, arrested in foreign countries, have no right to expect a 'free get out of jail ticket' nor expect to have Canadian justice rules apply in a foreign county. This whole farce is beyond the world of reality. Martin will have her trial and if found innocent, will be freed. If found, guilty, she will be unfortunately returned to Canada on time served. The innocence theory is based solely on her word and the word of a convicted fraud felon who plead guilty. Let's await the trial and hear both sides of the 'truth'. Only then can we offer an unbiased, non political opinion.
  71. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Paul Byer: A thinking man. Well said.
  72. True North from Canada writes: The G&M won't permit comments on Conrad Black's legal case (apparently because it is under appeal) but they allow comments on Ms. Martin's case (which is also under appeal). Just goes to show that the G&M can be intimidated by high-price lawyers.
  73. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: No postings to this thread for over an hour. Could this be a sign that the subject is slowing down to a merciful end? Let us pray.
  74. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Actually, methinks it is a sign that the story was pulled due to the beating the Liberals took on comments. There is no longer a link to it.
  75. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: The Harpercrite in action.
  76. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: True North from Canada writes: In standard Harper fashion, the government chooses to deal with its incompetence on this file by smearing Ms. Martin's name instead of fighting for her rights. When someone smears Harper's name, he immediately sues them; I hope Ms. Martin does the same.

    -0---

    Good Post.
  77. Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: James C from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China

    Thanks for clarifying the position of Paul Macklin (organizer of the save Brenda rally), is the Liberal candidate for orthumberland-Quinte West.

    This topic has long expired and it is getting boring. Can the G&M and CTV focus on a more interesting topic like the people backstabbing Dion?

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