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Maybe we should just get him a chaperone

Adam Radwanski, May 8, 2008 at 5:47 PM EDT

Occasionally, Stephen Harper's acid tongue comes in handy. This would be one of those occasions.

I have no doubt that tongues have been wagging in Ottawa for months over Maxime Bernier's ex-girlfriend, even before this business about Hells Angels trying to kill her. That's what happens in small company towns (the gossip, not the mob hits), particularly when the lady in question turns up at the swearing-in of cabinet looking like this. But I can't for the life of me figure out how any of this is important enough to be raised in Question Period - much less how Gilles Duceppe could suggest with a straight face that every time a cabinet minister goes on a date, the lucky companion should be subjected to RCMP security clearance.

The Prime Minister does not always have his finger on the pulse of public sentiment. But I suspect his response today - “Mr. Dion and Mr. Duceppe are quite a group of gossipy old busy-bodies,” in particular - had more than a few Canadians nodding in agreement.

  1. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Sure, Adam. That is why Belinda Stronach suffered so much 'gossip' from the Harper Conservatives. Harper was not above the fray on the topic: 'I think Peter is taking this pretty hard, as you could imagine,' Harper said.'
  2. Another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: The saying "birds of a feather" comes to mind. What does this tell us about Mr. Bernier's judgement, to say nothing about the sensitive position he occupies. He should be more careful in his choices of "friends"
  3. Globe Insider subscriber content
    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie:-- My thought exactly. If the NGC's front bench wants to be taken seriously, members of it are going to have to demonstrate just a bit more gravitas and judgment than this. Mr. Bernier is not a back-bencher, he's our Foreign Minister. When he brought the lady in question to his swearing-in and arranged for her to travel with him on official government business, then he brought his private life into the public realm. The CPC can't now complain that the Klieg lights are illuminating Mr. Bernier's private life when he, himself, made in public.
  4. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: The prime minister and Bernier are trying to play down the relationship, referring to her as an "ex-girlfriend;" however he listed her as his spouse and she travelled with him on official Canadian business.

    If he considered her his "spouse," why didn't he have any knowledge of her past? If she was just a casual girlfriend then why are Canadians paying for her to accompany him on travel?

    Or is taking a busty biker chick to foreign countries on official business and the Canadian taxpayer's dime common for our cabinet ministers?
  5. Honest Williams vs Honest Dions vision for CANADA ! Draft Danny from Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Sure, Adam. That is why Belinda Stronach suffered so much 'gossip' from the Harper Conservatives. Harper was not above the fray on the topic: 'I think Peter is taking this pretty hard, as you could imagine,' Harper said.'
    Posted 08/05/08 at 6:24 PM EDT |

    Did Belinda make a free trade pact with narco coke & smack states . A little B.C. gold can not offset this ? Auto parts are for the Korean give away not mentioned ?
  6. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: A little controversial, but this activity happened over 9 years ago, I think Bernier is the most interesting of the bunch, may be too interesting for foreign affairs though.
    All in all I think privacy should be respected.

    More noob behavior from this crew, not surprising at all.
  7. Honest Williams vs Honest Dions vision for CANADA ! Draft Danny from Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Sure, Adam. That is why Belinda Stronach suffered so much 'gossip' from the Harper Conservatives. Harper was not above the fray on the topic: 'I think Peter is taking this pretty hard, as you could imagine,' Harper said.'
    Posted 08/05/08 at 6:24 PM EDT |

    Tie Domy did not cook for an internet thief thus did not get 2 years in Mexico without a trial . bernier did not cook for this lady thus no questions please !
  8. Just In from Canada writes: The bigger question is why PM Harper selected Bernier to be the high profile cabinet minister from Quebec. One of the most important attributes of a Prime Minister is an ability to place the right person in the right job in cabinet. PM Harper exercised poor judgment and unnecessarily embarrassed many people in Quebec. Perhaps Harper never wanted a strong candidate in cabinet, only yes-man.
  9. Globe Insider subscriber content
    reality man from Canada writes: So, it's ok for cabinet ministers to hang out with people that associate with what the government has labelled a "criminal organization?" So, the government restricts importation of women for the sex industry but its ok for senior members of the government to hang out with people who associate with members of organizations involved in human smuggling, forced prostitution, drug dealing, murder, etc?. INCREBIBLE! She was engaged to a member of a criminal organization for $%^& sake! Try getting security clearance for a government job as a secretary if you are married to a member of the Hell's Angels. It won't happen because I believe that the government would consider that a security risk, no? But it's ok for these same people to get intimate with members of the cabinet? Do you want information leaking from the government to the Hell's Angels? Who knows what Bernier told this sleaze ball. If a Liberal cabinet minister did something like this harper would have been all over this. bernier should resign! NOW!
  10. jamie yavis from Canada writes: One's character is certainly visible by the company you keep, that is a no brainer.

    But tell me the difference between a politician and a biker ... if there is one, I would choose the biker as friend over anyone in either of Canada's political parties.
  11. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: jamie, I guess you'll have to ask Ms Couillard what the difference is between a biker and a politician...it sounds like the opener of a bawdy joke.
  12. Michael Bowen from Halifax, Canada writes:
    "what the difference is between a biker and a politician"??

    One only spins wheels, the other both wheels and spins....like right now trying to manage this.

    LMAO

    Bernier looks sharp, the other promotes "sharps"? (as needles are known)

    ROFL

    One looks slick, and the other......

    One rides a bike, and the other gets "ridden" by Harper.

    What's the difference between a flatfish and a politician?

    One is a disgusting, slimey, crud-eating, bottom feeder and the other is a fish.
  13. Jim McBob from Canada writes: She is smoking hot and that's all that matters. Dion and Duceppe are just jealous. Bernier rocks.
  14. pierre lefebvre from Brossard, Canada writes: Profumo, Minister of Defence in UK, had an affair with Christine Killer a prostitute. His code of Honors enticed him into resignation. Lets see what code will honor Bernier...
  15. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: I think that it a little over the top too, "engaged to, biker" You meet alot of people in life, some very interesting if you are lucky.
    I mean look at who we are supporting in afghanistan with the tales of corruption and drug trade.
    Why isn't the opposition focusing on real topics of serious nature.
    I think sure yes some questions should be answered, but 9 years ago, what about her rights as a citizen and how she is being portrayed.

    Privacy should be respected, offices of power should also be respected too. Move on.
  16. garry heaps from toronto-home of urban votes, Canada writes: if this was a liberal harper would be full of fire and brimstone. i wonder how he can reconcile this incident with his personal belief's, not to mention the whole issue of con mp's taking their girlfriend's on official business on our dime.
    another chapter from the con's inept amateur hour.
  17. Jim McBob from Canada writes: Pierre Lefebvre. Gimme a break. The Profumo affair was in a previous century when morality was totally different. Furthermore, Profumo was married, while having an affair with a woman with links to a Russian spy during the cold war, and then compounded his troubles by lying to Parliament. Bernier's case is totally different and just a titilating bit of gossip.

    As for Bernier, there is lots of honour. Honour and offer. Offer and honour. Tee hee.
  18. Michael Bowen from Blandford, Canada writes:

    Hey, is Kevin one of the paid CPC trolls who inhabit these forums??
  19. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: A little controversial, but this activity happened over 9 years ago...
    ---
    Wrong! She was at an event with Bernier this past February.
  20. Donalda Williams Clogg from Hudson, Canada writes: As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Bernier is in a very sensitive position where security is concerned. His private life has to be considered if he associates with anyone who may have any criminal associations in their past. I am surprised at Mr.Harper's response when he acuses the opposition of being "busybodys and gossips" when they are asking questions that they should be asking. Mr.Bernier continues to demonstrate his poor judgment. Is this responsible leadership on Mr.Harper's part?
  21. Virginia Troy from Calgary, Canada writes: First of all: There are the security implications of a minister confiding in a woman attached to a criminal organization.

    Second, of course, is the respect that our FA minister, and hence our country, can expect from foreign governments when he appears arm-in-arm with a biker lady.

    It shows what a desperately shallow pool Harper has to choose from when the best he can muster for Foreign Affairs is this clown.
  22. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: I am hardly cpc troll, I meant she was involved with the other people 9 years ago.
    I just think their are more important issues that that opposition can be addressing with poor performance of our present government.

    I think also that this taking too much away from Ms. Couillard, where are her rights for privacy here being respected and people and politicians are making points or trying to make points with this.

    Shame, what recourse does she have? None
    As she said so herself.
  23. Globe Insider subscriber content
    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: David Griffith:-- Actually, David, "your party" came up with it. And with no help whatsoever. No Liberal shackled the lady to Mr. Bernier's wrist. No Liberal forced him to escort her to a serious government function looking like she was heading for an evening at a nightclub. No Liberal selected her clothes and make-up at taxpayers' expense. And no Liberal forced Mr. Bernier to sign her up as a "spouse" for travel at taxpayers' expense on official government business.
  24. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes: Harper says it is nobody's business. But can you imagine if the shoe was on the other foot ?

    THE HYPOCRISY !
  25. David Griffith from Canada writes: Nice try diane. But this remains, as the previous half dozen attempts by YOUR party, a non-issue. It doesn't have legs. Its just another low blow, mudslinging, Liberal smear. It will turn off more voters than it will attract. A pathetic waste of Parliament. American style dirty politics. And you folks criticized the Tories of that. Tsk tsk. Pot calling the kettle...
  26. Jim McBob from Canada writes: Sirois, her ex was actually a well-known police informant who testified AGAINST the Hells in 2002. Somehow I don't think she's real tight with them anymore and he's probably in the witness protection program. Get over it folks. The only legs in this story are on her.
  27. Just In from Canada writes: I hope she had no knowledge of or influence over Minister Bernier's Afghan narco diplomacy, like who should be dumped as Governor of Kandahar. Talk about the inside track.
  28. Globe Insider subscriber content
    G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: He took her with him on government business and with his record I wonder that he was careful enough with confidential security information. With her past ties to biker gangs this is a concern.

    If the Liberals did this I can hear the righteous foaming now.

    What is most evident is that he is a buffoon with very bad judgement. Why is it she was allowed to travel on government business?

    Radwanski is just a fog horn apologist for everything conservative. Why does the globe allow this gross bias?
  29. Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: They asked a Liberal on Duffy about his former girlfriends and he said that he did,t have any. That raise a lot more questions in my mind.
  30. Globe Insider subscriber content
    G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Let's for a minute imagine that being a female Liberal cabinet minister dating a former biker gang guy. Can you imagine the outrageous indignation she'd be subjected to by the chorus boys??

    Hypocrisy. This man is unfit for this portfolio.
  31. Jim McBob from Canada writes: G. Veneta. Let's be more precise take it one step further and imagine that a female LIberal cabinet member was dating her. The only howls would be LIberals yelling at people to mind their own business.
  32. Brent Raby from The City State of Toronto, writes: Mr. Bernier should get himself one of those Hell's Angels T-shirts. You know the kind. On the back of the shirt it says, "If you can read this, the b!tch fell off".

    Gee, I wonder if she's angry at our Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Perhaps, she was just slumming.
  33. Brent Raby from The City State of Toronto, writes: CD W:
    I think the babe has Maxime.
  34. Ordinary Canadian Guy from Les prairies, Canada writes: All ex girlfriends and boyfriends? No.

    All boyfriends and girlfriends of Canadian officials with access to very sensitive information? Yes.
  35. pierre lefebvre from Brossard, Canada writes: Candidates selected by major parties in HoC are to be challenged. How can we accept people with so little fortitude to become members of parliament and possibly elevated to Cabinet? A few examples: Bernier, Verner with CPC; Dion, Coderre and Justin Trudeau with LPC. These oddities would need to attend courses on incompetence recognition before they can qualify. Here we have imbeciles in position of authority. What a puzzle!
  36. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Griffiths you idiot.

    I'm sure if it were a high-profile Liberal MP in this case, you'd be shaking your head, holding this up as proof of mob connections or something.

    You've got a lot of nerve criticizing people - your partisan blinders are pretty plain for all to see.
  37. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: i wouldn't worry who bernier went out with except for the fact already established that he has "loose lips". so, what state secrets has he shared with this "girlfriend / spouse?". i think bernier should have to answer that question.
  38. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: Adam is right. Whats with the cleavage at such a formal event? And here I am thinking that the women in my office dressed to risque. This woman beats them hands down!
  39. Brent Raby from The City State of Toronto, writes: Jimmie:
    I'm sure Maxine will tell you it's nothing but harmless pillow talk.
    Kinda like his speeches.
  40. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    No doubt had a Liberal Cabinet Minister been found to have a spouse with biker gang connections, the old "Librano" smear campaign would have been out in full force.

    But Cons having gang affiliations is "none of our business".

    Harpercrites.

    Pathetic scum.
  41. siren call from Canada writes: The funniest thing to come out of this was Peter van Loan's indignant jowly use of the Trudeau line, "the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation".

    Quite a howler from the cons, many of whom started their political careers in the bedrooms of homosexual Canadians and fought "gay" marriage.

    Or who want to censor our film industry based on as yet seen criteria.

    Or the cons who are attacking a woman's right to choose with their law making the killing of a fetus distinguishable from the killing of the mother.

    Guess what old self righteous van Loan meant was, "Liberals and Bloc have no right commenting on the heterosexual relations of Con cabinet members".
  42. David Griffith from Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Griffiths you idiot.

    I'm sure if it were a high-profile Liberal MP in this case, you'd be shaking your head, holding this up as proof of mob connections or something.

    You've got a lot of nerve criticizing people - your partisan blinders are pretty plain for all to see.
    =================================================
    Oh Ricky (are you that same, Mensa-bound one from the Trailer Park Boys, btw?), you are making me laugh my a$$ off here! Calling me partisan! H3ll, Ricky, yeah, I AM and don't apologize for it. And we are led to believe that Ricky ISN'T a partisan? What a hoot!

    PS : Give my regards to Bubbles and Julian, LOL
  43. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    So go ahead, Griffiths - say you wouldn't be all over this were it a Liberal MP involved.

    Why was a Con Cabinet Minister taking a biker gang affiliate on a taxpayer-funded trip to Dubai?
  44. Globe Insider subscriber content
    Wes Hargreaves from Vancouver, Canada writes: So have we gone THAT far over the deep end that THIS is an issue???

    I KNOW – let’s IGNORE global warming, the looming economic crisis, the war in Afghanistan, the ever widening gap between rich and poor, the lack of adequate education and health care, the erroneous war on drugs and so on and so on.....

    Instead, let’s focus on the Foreign Affairs Minister’s Ex and who she was sleeping with in the past!!!!!!!!!

    Our Parliament is broken – maybe we DO need another election!
  45. Michael Sharp from Victoria., Canada writes:

    Of one thing we are clear.

    Mr. Bernier is no stuffed shirt.
  46. Daniel Cunningham from Victoria, writes: Johny Canuck - you are a dolt. You typify why most of the voting population will never vote for the ConBorgs ya homophobic jackss. As for Bernier - its not appropriate for a cabinet minister with a sensitive portfolio like the one he has to date a former gangster's moll. But then subtleties like that are apparently completely beyond the grasp of the socially retarded idiots who actually vote for the Regressive Conservatives.
  47. Proud to Be Canadian from Canada writes: Hummm...Free trade deal with Columbia...... our troops protecting poppy fields and pot fields in Afghanistan....... Mr Bernard with with ties to biker gangs and organized crime meddling in Afgan political affairs... Two big Transport planes for the Armed Forces ....I am starting to see a pattern.
    It looks like a duck ... quacks like a duck
  48. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Sharp:

    Take your tongue out of your cheek.

    LOL
  49. Brent Slobodin from Canada writes: While it may be a nothing story, those that dwell in the gutter, like Harper, have to expect some backwash on occasion.
  50. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    look ............... its not easy for a Conservative to find a woman for sex.

    we have to pay one way or another .....................
  51. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    ........... at least she isn't as ugly most Conservative wives.
  52. Vern McPherson from writes:
    What an outfit these COns turned out to be ..........

    Foreign affairs minister living with a known biker chick.

    And the oracle defends this ?? Finley's bloggerboys defend this ???

    You COns are a laughable bunch of yahoos.........
  53. Wall Flower from Canada writes: Oh put a sock in it Carriere with your stupid leadership numbers! Everyone, including you, knows full well that Opposition Leaders always poll lower than a sitting PM. If I'm not mistaken, Dion's figures here are actually higher than Harper's when he was the one slumming it on the Opposition bench.

    Give it a rest, you are starting to sound shrill and will have people thinking that a Liberal stole your woman or something.

    Having said that, I have to say that, for the first time ever, I am in complete agreement with Harper. So the Couillard girl USED to date bikers. So what? If she was in that circle while Bernier dated her, I would have to agree but that was not the case. I will admit that I was bewildered by her choice of attire for the swearing in ceremony but Bernier is a country bumpkin and clearly doesn't know better.

    We've all seen to date what an imbecile Mad Max has turned out to be so yes, he is a poor choice for the job of Foreign Affairs Minister. That being said, let us not lower ourselves to acting like Americans and start snooping in our politicians' bedrooms.

    Get a grip, people!
  54. Vern McPherson from writes: pinkhurt ....... you disgusting piece of COns mouthpiece chearleader ........ JUST HOW MUCH IS DOUG FINLEY PAYING YOU ? How do you justify a minister of the crown - let along the Foreign Minister - a very senior position in any govt - having ties to organized crime in any way shape of form ? How would it look if a Minister was caught in a brothel or a strip club ? Which liberal would you call up and blame for that behavior ? Especially within a govt that prides itself on law and order ? The next time Nicholson opens his trap the country will augh at him. Every judge and every prosecutr in the country will shuder to think of this nutbar politician and his poor judgement and plain stupidity. Every cheap defence lawyer will chuckle at the possibilities .......... It's a joke and a bad joke on Canada's reputation and all it's citizens. So is the response form the smart-alex yahoo of a 2-faced leader ..... and his trained seals. YOU INCLUDED ........ And it has nothing to go with the past. The present is what counts....... this is the outfit who was to bring self-rightiousness to government here and now we have this on top of all the rest of the lies and smears ......... IMAGINE THE COns ORGANIZING A NATIONAL SMEAR CAMPAIGN ON A MAN LIKE DION - A MAN OF DEPTH AND UNQESTIONED INTEGRITY AND PARTIOTISM WHILE THEIR FOREIGN MINISTER - THE BRYLCREAM KID -LIVES WITH A FORMER BIKER CHIC !!!! AND SHE FLIES FOR FREE AT THE TAXPAYER'S EXPENSE !!! WOW !!!!! and the likes of you here defending it. pimp !!!
  55. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Nanos poll out today:

    The most trustworthy leader
    Stephen Harper 31 ( 1)
    Stephane Dion 14 (NC)
    Jack Layton 14 (-7)
    Elizabeth May 5 (-3)
    Gilles Duceppe 4 (-2)
    UNPROMPTED
    None of them/Undecided 32 ( 12)

    The most competent leader
    Stephen Harper 39 (NC)
    Stephane Dion 12 (-4)
    Jack Layton 11 (-4)
    Gilles Duceppe 5 (-1)
    Elizabeth May 1 (-2)
    UNPROMPTED
    None of them/Undecided 32 ( 10)

    The leader with the best vision for Canada's future
    Stephen Harper 31 (-1)
    Stephane Dion 14 (-3)
    Jack Layton 14 (-4)
    Elizabeth May 4 (-2)
    Gilles Duceppe 3 (NC)
    UNPROMPTED
    None of them/Undecided 35 ( 11)
  56. True North from Canada writes: Bernier will be shuffled out of cabinet - 2 strikes for him now.
  57. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: siren call: I was really angry to hear Fatty Van Loan use PET's famous line "the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation," because it was so inappropriate to use such big words given in defence of a big idea to describe such a tawdry affair. I could care less what Bernier and his girlfriends do in private -- it's having her listed as a spouse and travelling to foreign countries on official business that's just plain wrong to me.

    Did anyone else notice that as Bernier told the HoC that his business was private, how sick Tom Lukiski looked? Not applauding, not really listening, just looking plain old sick.

    BTW: you should hear the conservative apologists in Regina defending his remarks. No humility or remorse as he showed in the House when he apologized -- their fangs are out and they defend his remarks as being "suitable in that era." Yikes. Cons are slow learners.
  58. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Wow! look at all the jelous people posting here. I can see why once the picture is reviewed. ( link below) I can actually understand the jealous women posting here if they review the picture. Oh Liberals, how far you have fallen! Grasping at straws instead of presenting ideas and policy.

    Time for Liberals to listen to some Seinfeld knowledge-he brilliantly states:

    " If what I am doing is all wrong, then the opposite must be right!
    Numbers don't lie! 18 months after the Convention coup d'etat.

    The most trustworthy leader:
    Stephane Dion 14 % (NC)
    The most competent leader:
    Stephane Dion 12 % (-4)
    The leader with the best vision for Canada's future:
    Stephane Dion 14 % (-3)

    http://tinyurl.com/5lg3j8

    http://www.cyberpresse.ca/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/misc/zoom.pbs&Site=CP&Date=20080509&Category=CPARTS&ArtNo=80508260&Ref=AR&Profile=6730&show=CPACTUALITES§ioncat=CPACTUALITES&cr=Photo%20PC&relart=%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F20080509%2FCPARTS%2F80508260%2F6730%2FCPACTUALITES
    .
  59. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria., Canada writes:

    Of one thing we are clear.

    Mr. Bernier is no stuffed shirt.

    agreed

    now that couillard girl, she can sure stuff a shirt
  60. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: True North: Don't bet the rent.
  61. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    On a more serious note, and after having read the Quebec French press, this Liberal smear tactic may not be the best way to win the hearts and minds of Quebeckers.

    Compared to the other Provinces, it appears the quebecois have felt stronger about the private lives of politicians to be their business-unless of course there is criminality involved.

    So on this one let's review: Bernier's girlfriend had no criminal record and the 2 partners she had in the gang BOTH turned police informant-a little tidbit this paper refuses to print. If she had ties, then why was there a contract on her life by the same gang.

    But NO, some wicked MP's and posters here would rather smear anything CPC. To those depths they have fallen!

    And if she was such a threat, I am sure the RCMP or CSIS would have been involved a long time ago.

    This Liberal smear tactic may just backfire. Bernier is a Quebec favourite son coming from a respected political family and is very well liked in the rural area-an area where the next election will see much movement to the CPC.

    So go ahead and yell and scream and throw personal dirt around instead of dealing with issues that matter.
  62. Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: If liberals want to go low lets go low. We can start with Bill Graham.

    Do you liberals really want to go there?
  63. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    True North from Canada writes: Bernier will be shuffled out of cabinet - 2 strikes for him now

    Not sure he will be shuffled out, but what is obvious is that he is out of his element and experience in foreign affairs.

    His background has always been in economics and intergovernmental affairs-why he was chosen for the important Min. of Foreign Affairs was probably for Quebec optics only- and as it turns out, a bad decision.

    He truly IS NOT the man for that position.
    .
    If you understand French, a good story here:

    http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080509/CPOPINIONS05/80508322/6749/CPOPINIONS05
  64. Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes,

    Good Morning,

    What you are witnessing is the liberals, there supporters and the media jump the shark. Take it in and enjoy. Thisis what the liberals and there suppoters have come to. The best line is that she is a national security threat ha,ha,ha,ha,

    Trying to explain this to the liberals will not work as you can see they have to save Canada from Max's ex girlfriends. And who cares if this poor lady gets drag threw the mud. The liberals have already drag a dead MP through the mud to smear Harper so this is just par for the course..

    Oh did you notice that no women MP from the liberals or the bloc put these question forward.
  65. fed up from Canada writes: Sorry, my mistake, there is another journalist in the country who does RESEARCH...

    http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080508/national/berniercouillardsecurity

    Bernier affair is a security issue, say experts
    By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
    Thu May 8, 7:23 PM

    "Some security experts are taking issue with the Conservative government's characterization of the Maxime Bernier affair as a private matter, saying questionable personal links could leave the minister - and Canadian interests - vulnerable.

    ..."
  66. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    fed up from Canada writes: Nice try but I know you only forgot this part of the story.......

    "However, another expert said it's important not to tar Bernier with guilt by association.

    Wade Deisman, a criminologist and director of the University of Ottawa's national security project, said much of what's been said and written about Couillard is based on hearsay.

    "She has never been convicted of a criminal offence. All that's been said about her is that she associated with criminals at some point, or people who were involved in organized crime."

    And as I have written above, the ones she associated with BOTH turned police informant and she had a contract on her. Yes, sounds like a real gang criminal!
  67. loraine lamontagne from Mississauga, Canada writes: To R. Carriere: "And as I have written above, the ones she associated with BOTH turned police informant and she had a contract on her. Yes, sounds like a real gang criminal! "

    Sounds like a real security risk to me.
  68. Tony Mareschealle from mississauga, Canada writes: Why don't we just "Tag" ALL members of parliament - for National Security Reasons of course.

    That way we will all be able to know where they been, when and possibly with whom.
  69. Michael Sharp from Victoria., Canada writes:

    I had a biker chick once.

    She drank all my beer and smoked all my stuff.

    She was a real security risk.
  70. Daniel Cunningham from Victoria, writes: You had a biker chick Michael? The thought of you having any woman makes me nauseous. What did she do - spank you and have you call her mommy?
  71. Wall Flower from Canada writes: Frankly, Bernier is a greater security risk than Couillard could ever be. The man has given a whole new meaning to the words "loose lips." I'm more concerned about him revealing sensitive information to the wrong people by mistake than Couillard relaying stuff to bikers - quite the improbable scenario.

    Having said this, Van Loan reminded us all that the CPCers reign king when it comes to slurs and mud slinging with his suggestion that the Opposition works hard to import terrorists into Canada.

    Oh how I long for an election so that we can finally have policy discussions instead of this nonsense.

    For example, is there some reason why the GLOBE has NOT reported on the Tory legislation seeking to set back the clock on abortion rights?
  72. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Wall Flower, because it is a private members bill introduced by a Liberal.
  73. Wall Flower from Canada writes: Hey Alistair? Why do you lie?
  74. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: So no one else questions the choice of her clothing in that ceremony she attended with him? That alone would have rang alarm bells of either her being an escort or a gun moll.
  75. Wall Flower from Canada writes: Darren get a grip. Bernier is an idiot who doesn't know much about the needed etiquette for those kind of events. That has more to do with his hillbilly background, no more.

    When did Canada become a country of puritans? What am I? In Washington?
  76. Wall Flower from Canada writes: To Alistair the Liar, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you made a mistake.

    Bill C-484 which seeks to criminalize any being brought against a fetus was introduced by Ken Epp. Last time I checked, Epp was an anti-choice rightwinger sporting the CPC banner. Having said that, quite a few Liberals voted in support of this horrific legislation.

    In any case, I am concerned about the lack of media interest on such a dangerous legislation given its implication for women's rights in this country.

    I could care less about Couillard's exposed boobies. Can we please get back to talking about things that matter?
  77. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Daniel Cunningham from Victoria, when it comes time for training, no one beats a biker chick.

    I've been naughty.
  78. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    I think they're a beautiful couple.

    They look so socially progressive.

    The MP and the biker chick.

    I would think liberals everywhere would cheer for this blatant example of social progression.

    It's so uplifting.
    Speaking of which, Ms. Coullaird is so perky.
    It's time to put the KY back into perky.

    This post will last ten seconds.

    Social progressives have no sense of humour.
  79. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    So what does this biker chick do for income ?

    Does she earn a living the same way as most Hells Angels women ?
  80. BCer in Mtl . from Canada writes: Frankly, who cares what she wore to a swearing in ceremony, it only shows that perhaps she doesn't have the best developed sense of occasion, which is not a crime, only a social faux pas at worst. Who cares Bernier decided to hang out with someone who hung out with elements of organized crime, that's his call. However, certainly the appropriate security authorities charged with assuring the personal safety of cabinet members should have been made aware of the fact that the person Bernier named as his spouse was in the past associated with those elements. There should have been some investigation on their part to ensure that she was not at any personal risk or possibly target of blackmail or threats, especially considering one of her exes was an informant and her former husband was killed. What would we be saying if she was at personal risk, and found out after the fact that a minister was killed, injured or narrowly avoided such an outcome? The gov't can very easily defuse the issue and take the high road by confirming due diligence was executed. The minister should have been professional and proactive in disclosing the potential security concern and having it vetted by professionals. If the assessment on the relationship was that it posed unacceptable risk, then the minister would have had a choice to make.
  81. fed up from Canada writes: A few minutes before my 10:08 am comment today, I tried to post a comment to the effect that there has been a paucity of journalistic research into this issue, along with a link, that was probably blocked by a 'libel filter' thingy. So I'll try to correct my mistake...

    In a certain Halifax newspaper today (no link for obvious reasons) there is a story from a certain CP reporter in which it is alleged that anonymous government insiders have allegedly expressed their alleged concerns about the alleged influence a certain former girlfriend allegedly had over a certain Foreign Affairs Minister. These anonymous sources allege that the former girlfriend allegedly had a certain degree of influence over the minister, including his speeches, contradicting government policy, the Minister's public profile...

    The point being that the PM called a press conference on 10 minutes notice to frame the issue as mere 'gossip', but it would seem that it just might be a matter of national security.
  82. fed up from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    fed up from Canada writes: Nice try but I know you only forgot this part of the story.......

    My point is that I couldn't care less about Ms. Couillard's past associations. It's her influence over a more recent association that troubles me.
  83. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    fed up from Canada: Your post was funny-a lot of alleging going on!

    here-I'll paint it out. The story says the usual unidentified sources she had influence on him-but it appears the influence was of a political and profile nature-nothing else. It is actually a funny story to read!

    http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1054844.html

    At the end of the day, partners talk and share. And if you want to know about spousal influence, it was Aline Chretien who "advized" her spouse how great Dion was.........the moral of the story is that perhaps you have to hear your spouse but listening is a whole other issue. Look what that got the fella from Shawinigate...err...Shawinigan. The Dion Disaster Train!
    .
  84. Globe Insider subscriber content
    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: R. Carriere:-- Thanks for those links. "For good reasons" indeed. There is a big difference in being influenced by the opinions of someone who once circulated with underworld figures and sharing pillow talk with someone who teaches at Royal Military College and studied counter-terrorism.
  85. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    diane marie from calgary, Canada

    Afternoon DM: Look, at the end of the day, we really have no right to butt into personal lives and judge people by heresay-but on the other hand, we have a responsibility to vett at least Minister's partners and probably all MP's who even sit on committees for obvious security reasons. Love is a strange thing and can make people do some crazy stuf.........Also, the political optics of this is not good.

    What I woould like to know is as follows. When did the media find out about this person? If it was before yesterday, why did they sit on the story? If they knew before, why did they choose yesterday to break the news? Was she ever verified vetted by either RCMP-CSIS? If so when? If not, why not?

    This story could have been a non story if Bernier would have stood up yesterday and said, " My ex-partner was fully vetted by the RCMP and CSIS and you can direct your questions at those agencies." Done! No more story! Anyway, no one will even remember in 3 weeks-just like the Cadman story that has No more media legs.
    .
  86. Fake Name from Canada writes: Oh, who even cares. This is about the silliest criticism I've heard in months. In my opinion, this is a non-issue - its not like she was an active member influencing him to stop law enforcement against the hells angels.

    Still, I think if the positions were reversed and a libbie was found with even so peripheral a connection to organized crime as this, a lot of the con's would be all over it.
  87. Globe Insider subscriber content
    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: R. Carriere:-- Agreed. Have a look at Kady O'Malley's blog.
  88. Globe Insider subscriber content
    R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    diane marie from calgary,: Went a looking and had trouble nailing a confusing site blog. Any chance I could bother you for the link?
  89. loraine lamontagne from Mississauga, Canada writes: You know what I think, Fake Name? I think that if Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister was gunned down with his girlfriend, a woman with links to organized crime and known to have a contract on her life, I would ask myself, why did the RCMP not protect the minister? Of course, you would think it was his private life and the RCMP should not take extraordinary precautions in such circumstances. Not me. I would prefer to be reassured that if the minister decides to, say, have an affair with a woman who was once living with an Al Qaieda operative, and divorced from another Al Qaieda operative, that the RCMP would not dismiss this as a security risk because the lady has no criminal record. You may ask, the Hell's Angels and Al Qaieda are not the same thing. I would invite you to check how many people were gunned down by the Hell's Angels during their turf wars in Quebec and in Ontario these last fifteen years. You may be in for a surprise. I consider the Hell's Angels to be a very dangerous drug organization, possibly with links to Al Qaieda.
  90. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    loraine lamontagne from Mississauga, with the warning from hell, "You may be in for a surprise. I consider the Hell's Angels to be a very dangerous drug organization, possibly with links to Al Qaieda."

    Osama Bin Laden on a chopped and lowered harley panhead?
    Live to ride, ride to live.

    Oh loraine, you're a funny woman.

    You need to get out more.

    Go for a motorcycle ride.
    Drink beer, smoke pot.

    It would do you a world of good.
  91. Globe Insider subscriber content
    diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: R. Carriere:-- I assume that you see Kady O'Malley's link under "Blog Roll" at the top of this page. I was thinking of a bit she wrote some weeks ago (about 3?) in which she offered a link to a clip in the Hill Times. That seems to have been the first time the lady was identified by name in Ottawa, but perhaps the Quebec press was on to things earlier than that... However, even after some scrolling, I can't locate that particular entry.
  92. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I think it has already been made clear that nobody in government (PCO, PMO, etc.) does a security check on spouses and families of MPs. That could explain the lack of answers in the House. Shame of some sort might be the reason for the silence. But it seems that whenever a security scandal arises, and there is no sign of one in this case, whenever such a scandal arises, all the facts are duly dug into . . . but after the event has taken place and after the damage has been done. And what about the comments by Mr. Fortier? Apparently, he did say he would go after the government the same way the Liberals have gone after Bernier in this case.
  93. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: I'm surprised no one is asking about the fact that Bernier and the woman are no longer together - my guess - and I bet I'm right - is that despite the 'nobody's business' protestations of Harper now, that when they did get wind of this woman's associations, that Bernie was made to dump her because though they're loath to admit it, there ARE legitimate security concerns when the minister is sleeping with someone like that.

    And while we're talking about Bernier, doesn't it strike others as strange that while the Harper Cons constantly snipe about Dion's English, that no one seems to notice that Bernier's makes Dion's look good?

    And finally G. Veneta re: your, "Radwanski is just a fog horn apologist for everything conservative. Why does the globe allow this gross bias?"

    I would say that goes a long way to explaining Jane Taber, who someone pointed out on the other thread, is a close confidant of Adam's - a more obvious pro-Con bias than Jane's does not seem to exist (so to answer that other thread's questioner, of course Jane never cites a Liberal source - she really has none).
  94. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: Guys, any senior beurocrat would have to have his entire family, inlaws and even his part time maid prescreened. MPs are only screened themselves, and not their spouses. If she was the spouse of a senior beurocrat he would have not had the position because it would be deemed a security risk.

    Trust me, I know. Having lived half my live overseas in a neutral country, I was told that I would have to go through 12 to 16 months of security clearance to apply for the Canadian armed forces back in 2004. Imagine the type of security clearance I would have went through a harsher clearance had I lived overseas in a non-friendly country.

    So it stands to reason that she went through a loophole here.
  95. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    So what does this biker chick do for income ?

    Does she earn a living the same way most Hells Angel women do ?