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Port workers and their spouses face more scrutiny than cabinet ministers

DANIEL LEBLANC

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:01 PM EDT 13/05/08

New rules are forcing workers to reveal details about their current and ex-spouses to obtain security clearance ...Read the full article

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  1. Blair . from Canada writes: Looks like Mr. Harper didn't do his research. If other federal government employees have to undergo these types of security checks as a condition of employment, surely ministers should do the same. Or is Mr Harper and Mr Day advocating special treatment for politicians at the expense of national security? They'll have to cave on this one eventually once common sense kicks in and the optics are assessed.

  2. Vern McPherson from writes:
    It's elitist neocon bunk once again. the oracle thinks his CRAP doesn't stink and anyone he appoints is lily white by definition.

    Take from the oracle/dictator ......... he knows what's best for all of us ...........
  3. Ed Doerksen from Simcoe, Canada writes: We have become afraid of our own shadows
  4. Seb D from Ottawa, Canada writes: To quote an oft repeated Conservative phrase, if Mr. Bernier 'has nothing to hide, then he has nothing to fear.'

    All joking aside, however, if you want to be a cabinet minister, you had better get used to public scrutiny.
  5. Rollo Tomasi from Hot, sunny, med-like, Belgium writes: Extensive security checks take time--months--to complete. If the clearance was prerequisite for employment, ministers and their staff could not begin to perform their duties. Still, employment should be offered as conditional on passing a security clearance to whatever level after whatever gateway.

    I feel better about Canadian Ports, though.
  6. Rachel .. commenting from Hollywood North, Canada writes: Just curious, do journalists and their spouses go thru security checks?

    Or how about Rideau Institute garbage sniffing, RCMP blueprint hunting employees and spouses?

    I am sure some of them must knew somebody who done something possibly illegal somewhere sometime in the past.
  7. Rachel .. commenting from Hollywood North, Canada writes: Do one really believe a port worker will go thru the same degree of background check a minister gets from the RCMP?

    Or is it more like, name, rank and serial number and thank you very much, have a good day?
  8. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: I am by no means a conspiracy freak but I heard one yesterday that could probably grow legs among the contributors to this forum who will believe anything they read or hear. That is, there is growing suspicion that Bernier's former girlfriend was, in fact, working under cover gathering evidence against bikers and that is how she came in contact with him.
  9. C J from Canada writes: Another fine example of do as I say, not as I do
  10. Jeff S from Canada writes: Port workers are the first line in stopping the mideast twits from bringing terrorism and organized crime from bringing black market goods and drugs to our shores.
  11. Rachel .. commenting from Hollywood North, Canada writes: Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: .... that Bernier's former girlfriend was, in fact, working under cover ... and that is how she came in contact with him.

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

    Lucky Guy :)

    Take words out of context, and a whole new meaning.

    Tabloid journalism is good at these methods !
  12. Always Right from Canada writes:

    Can't blame the papparazi G&M.

    Fanning the flames of yet another manufactured scandal sells papers.
  13. Will Alexander from Canada writes: Always Right from Canada: When a scapegoat is needed, blame the media (or the former govn't) - not party in power. I take it you're a Harper fan?

    Rollo Tomasi from Hot, sunny, med-like, Belgium: Security checks take as long as the pririty out on them. Clearly Harper was so keen on getting Cabitnet Ministe's from Quebec he could care less what risk they posed to national security (at least Canadian national security, hard to say about the 'nation' of Quebec).

    As for Harper's 'accountable, responsible and transparent' govn't, he is certainly doing everything to indicate that the opposite is true (I'm waiting or the ranting NeoCons to point fingers at the Fiberals. Time to wake up, NeoCons! Harper's the PM so you can stop ranting about Martin or Chretien.
  14. Danny Williams makes have economy Stevie Harper makes have not economy from Canada writes: Seb D from Ottawa, Canada writes: To quote an oft repeated Conservative phrase, if Mr. Bernier 'has nothing to hide, then he has nothing to fear.'

    All joking aside, however, if you want to be a cabinet minister, you had better get used to public scrutiny.
    Posted 13/05/08 at 6:45 AM EDT

    Why is everyone ignoring the initial reports that berniers girlfriend attended and took part in a Foreign Affairs meeting ? Would not releaseing the minutes of this meeting clear up all ?
  15. Karl Junkin from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper likes to enact tough new rules as long as they don't apply to him or his party. What a model PM! Get rid of this disgrace already... and rid Parliament Hill of the Liberals altogether, too, they've lost their right to even an opportunity to govern by letting this mockery of a Parliament stand. The House should be dominated by only NDP and Greens if Canadians really want to see an end to these over-priced circus clowns of Liberals and NeoCons, which both insult our nation's image.
  16. Danny Williams makes have economy Stevie Harper makes have not economy from Canada writes: Jeff S from Canada writes: Port workers are the first line in stopping the mideast twits from bringing terrorism and organized crime from bringing black market goods and drugs to our shores.
    Posted 13/05/08 at 7:27 AM EDT

    ' Last in line ' if you count purchasing , shipping and importing contraband ?
  17. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Why are ports in Vancouver controlled by organized crime, like the Hell's Angels? If the security is so extensive, that wouldn't happen. Ports in Montreal and Halifax are likewise completely infiltrated.
  18. Always Right from Canada writes:

    Will Alexander - you seem to be popping blood vessels on this one.

    If I were you, I'd call up the leader of the opposition and demand that he grow some testicles, show up in the HOC, ask his caucus to do the same and do the job that they were elected (and paid) to do and defeat this horrible and nasty Harper government.
  19. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: The answer to this and all the other scandals is quite simple. Bring down the government. The problem with that is finding opposition that has the guts to do so because they know they would regret it for a long long time. As they will find out in October 2009.

    I noticed in the last couple of days that the self styled media pundits have not only given up on a spring election (because it's too late now) but they are not even speculating on summer or fall.

    If they had listened to the Westport Oracle from the beginning they could have saved all the time and effort they have been wasting for the past two years trying to convince thinking Canadians that they are indeed pundits.
  20. Always Right from Canada writes:

    Also Will, if you beleive that the G&M doesn't have a political agenda then you are truly naive.
  21. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: I think its outrageous that the Harper Conservatives would discontinue the established practice of in-depth security checks on Cabinet Ministers' spouses and other romantic entanglements.

    What's that? The Liberals did not have such a practice? That can't be! The gall would be unimaginable. One would have to be a complete hypocritical scumbag of the highest order.... Mmmm. I see what you mean.

    To be fair, I think we need to review all such circumstances for the past 10 years particularly in sensitive minstries like Foriegn Affairs and Heritage.

    As per port security, daily cavity searches are in order on the way in and the way out.
  22. Always Right from Canada writes:

    Steve D - I'm pretty sure that Maxime's girlfriend underwent the scrutiny of several cavity searches.

    I think that video details should be revealed.
  23. Pickman's Modem from Canada writes: I think ministers don't go through the same background checks as port workers because it's assumed that the party will want to cover their a$$es before they let people run under their banner. They are also under some pretty intense scrutiny during the actual elections.

    That being said, perhaps this will encourage the ruling party to get on these background checks -- and having their ministers use some common sense when it comes to their extra-curricular activities. It's not that much to ask, is it?
  24. Gronck the realist from Canada writes: What the hell is wrong with Harper, of course, this is a concern - a very serious one. When I had security clearance they certainly went through my personal life.
  25. bob london from Canada writes: It explains how Liberals get in. No scrutiny.
  26. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Is there someone out there that can enlarge upon what are the perceived security risks in which she could have been or is involved or is everyone content to just keep milking this issue for the sake of
    seeing their names (phony and otherwise) in print?
  27. Paul Jay from Canada writes: Hey, it's a realistic assessment of the relative importance of workers vs. tories to the country.
  28. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: This is good ight now the rules are far too lax. can some one tell me why there is a mosque in yellowknife and why are they building one in inuvik?
  29. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: NWT etc: Could it be because there are moslems there or is that just a wild guess answer to a dumb question?
  30. blue nose from Calgary, Canada writes: I wonder how thorough this port worker's security check was:

    http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/crimepays/arthur.html
  31. Erik D. from Ottawa, Canada writes: Oh, the con supportes are pulling out all the stops on this one, 'the G&M is biased', 'G&M is a tabloid', 'not an issue', calling liberals names, wow, this issue must have hit a sore and tender spot indeed from sucha reaction, hmm, wonder why they have no real excuse... but why all the attempts at deflection? Oh yah, because this issue is about security, something the Cons brag about how good they are, but I guess Stockwell in a wet suit on a ski-doo just doesn't cut it.... seems to me that they are as good at security as the Liberals are, which is not saying much. Cons and Libs, two rancid peas of the same pod.
  32. Pablo W from Mid Ontario, Canada writes: We all know that port workers are the ones we need to be worried about. They go to work unloading ships all day.
    We should be more concerned about a goverment who wants the labours background checked but not the performers of a clown show.
    The problem with Mr. Harper is that he thinks that he is a Leader but doesn't act as a leader, or understand what real leadership is.
  33. Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Another misleading headline to get the Toronto Liberal dogs barking again. A Cabinet Minister is a public figure that has been through elections and public scrutiny for years, a port worker could be anybody and would be a logical position for a Muslim terrorist plot. Toronto Liberals and the G&M have long since used up any credibility they may have had, and you will alll be in for a nasty self-induced shock after the next general election.
  34. Pickman's Modem from Canada writes: NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: can some one tell me why there is a mosque in yellowknife and why are they building one in inuvik?

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

    Obviously they are preparing to subvert your 'culture' and make off with your daughters. Way to perpetuate those rural sterotypes!
  35. D K from Canada writes: Port workers and their spouses are also smarter than cabinet ministers.
  36. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: I would like to think we don't smuggle contraband through Parliament Hill. How the G&M thinks this comparison is relevant is beyond me. I personally have a Ports Security clearance and other than name, rank, and serial number as a citizen I didn't have to do much more to get it.
  37. D K from Canada writes: 'Pickman's Modem from Canada writes: NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: can some one tell me why there is a mosque in yellowknife and why are they building one in inuvik? '

    Because they want to have a sequel to little Mosque on the Prairie.
  38. PJ Robertson from Canada writes: Two-faced Harperites - typical.
  39. Erik D. from Ottawa, Canada writes: To Popeye Dillon: The G&M isn't implying that Cabinet Ministers are involved in smuggling, they are implying that something is wrong in the way security is being handled by the Canadian government as Cabinet Ministers who are privy to information that is sensitive and secret and deals with national security, the economy, public safety, etc. but they go though less security checks than Ports security folk, who don't deal with any such secrets. As such, this is a serious security hole. Keep in mind, most, if not all, other democratic countries have their cabinet ministers go through extensive security checks. This makes the Canadian government look like the naive fools they are, all huff and puff talk about security, but nothing to back up their claims.
  40. D Le5 from Canada writes: Maybe the CPC is hoping for a video sex scandal that re-ignites has been celebrity careers? Imagine someone with known criminal connections having inside info on a politician - couldn't be a security threat could it? Heaven forbid the PM say 'we made a mistake'...that isn't 'leadership'
  41. Dominik B from Canada writes: If the current policy isn't adequate, have it fixed. Its not like we have a majority government right now, except I am not sure this is something that would be tabled for a vote. Anyhow, maybe the opposition should be careful what they wish for because they just might get it. This enhanced security background check will have to cover all MPs, not only ministers, because all MPs have access to sensitive information and all sit on some sort of committee(s) which needs this kind of info. So, fix it if it needs fixing for all, otherwise, move on please.
  42. Harold at home from Canada writes: It explains how Conservatives get in. No scrutiny.
  43. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: What a great story. I feel good knowing that our port workers are not a security risk. Way to go Globe and Mail...today you are the paper!!
  44. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Always Right, you're damned rights. Release those videos NOW!!
  45. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: From the article: 'As the Harper government deals with a furor over the former girlfriend of its Foreign Affairs Minister,...'

    The former girlfriend of a dead Hells Angel, over 15 years ago, who is no longer dating the Minister, who hasn't had ties with the biker organization in over a decade....this is what libs are clinging onto?

    Furor? The yawn heard across Canada is deafening.
  46. Wayne Marriott from halifax, Canada writes: I have lost my JOB at the Halifax port because of these new so called security changes.
    Making changes to our Halifax port that hasn't made 1 real bit of difference , except that now if you made a mistake in the past it affects your whole life in general , Sounds like the states. Hell our pardons don't mean s_it.
    But yet these cabinet ministers do not have to entail the same security checks as us????? WTF
    Been awhile since i last voted ,But i will be there with bells on this time.

    The only ones that gained by this was the regional police , My boss had to pay 6 police officers a sum of $3000 for nothing. 10 minutes of photos and they looked into a few bags and drove off... Hmmm sounds like there $35 an hour at the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission didn't go through so they got an even cushier job , At the same time pushing half if not more from there current jobs.

    Are ports are so much more securer that are cargo'foreigners' can hop off and walk themselves to a train station.... GO FIGURE
  47. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: And why is it that liberals have forgotten what it means to be liberal during this particular story?
  48. Iain Scott from Canada writes: What's the beef? They're being paid more than cabinet ministers.
  49. Tony Seaward from Canada writes: Port Workers are more important to the running of our country then politicans, they should have more stringent background checks.
  50. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Apparently Bernier was vetted for security when he first became a minister, but that was before he was with the ex-biker chick. This according to the Halifax Chronicle:

    http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1055614.html
  51. Wilf Kruggel from Canada writes: The law must be changed so that back-ground checks can be done one employees manning all points of entery in Canada. How else do you suppose the drugs are comming into Canada? Every shipping Container and bag must be checked, nothing else will do! Wilf
  52. Geoff Virgo from Vancouver, Canada writes: 'Prime Minister Stephen Harper described opposition leaders as gossipy busybodies for raising the issue.'

    That's right, I mean this isn't like Harper and his merry band of sycophants attacking Belinda Stronach on her personal relationships that had no potential implications on national security or her on life. The differences are obvious: Bernier is a man and in Harper's party (that means his personal life is out of bounds), Stronach is a woman and no longer in his party (that means her personal life is fair game, please feel free to imply that she's a whore).

    Can Dion finally grow (or borrow) a set of stones and pull the plug on this bunch of idiotic amateur clowns? PLEASE??!?!!?
  53. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Can Dion finally grow (or borrow) a set of stones and pull the plug on this bunch of idiotic amateur clowns? PLEASE??!?!!?

    As a Conservative I must fully agree with you. Pull the plug now. Cons are at a high in popularity in Quebec, own the west and do not own the vote losing carbon tax idea.

    Please pull the plug Dion and give Canada the much deserved Conservative Majority.
  54. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    Jeff S from Canada writes: Port workers are the first line in stopping the mideast twits from bringing terrorism and organized crime from bringing black market goods and drugs to our shores.

    -------------------------Wrong Jeff the first line is the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  55. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: If you read this article:

    http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=74a4211b-5e73-41bd-a672-32230f6a6dc3

    and pay particular attention to the last few paragraphs near the end of the first page, you might wonder if Mr Bernier understood the relationship as much as he should have. While it is one thing to accompany a Cabinet minister on trips, it is entirely another to sit in on confidential meetings.

    While asking does not necessarily show intent, it should at the very least raise flags.
  56. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: You people are reaching to find a way to smear the Conservatives on this one.

    There is a problem, that I won't dispute. However, this is a Government, not a party issue. IMO, Ministers should have to go through the exact same procedures that anyone seeking Top Secret clearance has to go through.
  57. Cowtown boy from Calgary, Canada writes: A Cabinet Minister is a public figure that has been through elections and public scrutiny for years.

    So Free the west, is that why so many conservative cabinet ministers in Saskatchewan ended up in jail a few years back. When it comes to Conservative ministers one can't be too carefull as they have a reputation you know.
  58. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Strong-arm governments in less enlightened countries than Canada have no qualms in going about their corrupt (the only possible word here) ways. Why do we think we are so immune from such worldly ways? Maybe things are no better here than in the less enlightened parts of the world. Self-interest reigns here, on the part of governments and big business, just as it does elsewhere. It's just that we are able to dress things up in harmless packages and that we are able to insulate ourselves from the truth surrounding the ways we go about our business. See the RCMP taser fiasco; that illustrates our antiseptic and insulated approach to unseemly things (read: authoritarian government and law and order). A security check on government ministers and their families is a futile endeavour.
  59. marie joy from langley, Canada writes: I think Mr.Bernier is just going out with her for her fake boobs.
    I bet they are still seeing each other without the public knowing.
    He must be a stupid guy to bring her with him when he was getting sworn in .Or even to have her for a girlfriend .I wonder where she met him .Surely they don't run in the same circles.

    I bet she wanted to be with someone who had money and power .Hense being a girlfriend of someone in the Hells ANgles.
    I guess they paid for her boobs .
  60. Phil Harrington from Canada writes: One wonders if Conservatives would be so defensive if Mr. Bernier's ladyfriend had ties to terrorists.

    (granted I would argue that organised crime is on the same level of what we defeine as terrorism and is in fact a bigger problem facing the average canadian in their cities, but I know how neocons love the T word. Carte Blanche!)
  61. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:
    Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Another misleading headline to get the Toronto Liberal dogs barking again. A Cabinet Minister is a public figure that has been through elections and public scrutiny for years, a port worker could be anybody and would be a logical position for a Muslim terrorist plot. Toronto Liberals and the G&M have long since used up any credibility they may have had, and you will alll be in for a nasty self-induced shock after the next general election.

    --------------------------The article is about the people who the people in a position of trust interact with. Read first then post!!!

    And just what, pray tell, is the nasty shock coming the G&M's way??
  62. Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: We let a made guy into cabinet - and look what happenned!

    Thanks to Access to Information laws - here is a link (real) to Gagliano's RCMP background check.

    Seriously, please have a look.

    http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/files/gaglianosecuritycheck.pdf

    Because the script will mess it up' That's 'gagliano(underscore)security(underscore)check.pdf'
  63. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    marie joy from langley, Marie how do you know they are fake? As for not running in the same circles, I would not be so sure of that.
  64. loraine lamontagne from Mississauga, Canada writes: I have been a voter for forty years and I don't recall ever being given the security background of a candidate. Members of Parliament are voted in but cabinet ministers are appointed. They are chosen for their special talents and qualities, and their good judgment. They given access to information that MPs don't have. I don't blame Bernier or Couillard. This appointment is the responsiblity of the prime minister.
  65. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    Liberals Steal -- The Western Standard????* Now there is a place where 'The Harpy' can set up his *'Ministry of Truth'
  66. incognito k from Canada writes: I used to work at an international airport in Canada and certainly had to jump through the hoops for my area pass. Logically it would appear the easiest way to access classified areas and information is to plant a mole (lover) with a cabinet minister. That's how the spy game is played. I would hope that Bernier didn't allow his lady friend to see any documents but the optics don't look good as cabinet ministers should beheld at least to the same standard as port workers. Did they live together? The next thing will be a witch hunt for who leaked the info about this lady to the press. If the RCMP and CSIS are doing their job they would be checking on a ministers associates as a matter of standard practice anyway.
  67. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: We let a made guy into cabinet - and look what happenned!

    Thanks to Access to Information laws - here is a link (real) to Gagliano's RCMP background check.

    Seriously, please have a look.

    http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/files/gaglianosecuritycheck.pdf

    Because the script will mess it up' That's 'gagliano(underscore)security(underscore)check.pdf'

    It doesn't say anything! It's just a bunch of handwritten numbers?!?!
  68. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Geoff Virgo, when did the Conservatives ever have anything to say about Belinda's relationships? The only one they ever commented on was her relationship with Peter MacKay, who happened to be another prominent party member, and whom she happened to dump in order to switch parties. I don't recall Harper or anyone else in the party questioning Belinda's relationship with Tie Domi or anyone else. Tie's wife was the one who raised stink about that. Know what you're talking about before you type your nonsense.
  69. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: Canada is so naive when it comes to organized crime...
  70. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    'The Harpy' needs to be reminded about 'Gerda Munsinger'.
  71. Darren In TO from Toronto, Canada writes: I still think that the moment Bernier saw what outfit she was going to wear to his swearing in ceremony, that he should have realised that she was a fish out of water.
  72. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Why was this woman - or anyone without a need to know - allowed to sit in on a Foreign Affairs meeting?

    Also, why aren't they together anymore? That may sound nosy, but I'm betting that when the PMO got wind of this little 'family', Bernier was ordered to break up with her.

    None of my business? Perhaps. But if that's the sequence of events - and I'll wager it was - it would show that despite its protestations now, they knew full well their relationship WAS a security risk.
  73. Liberals Steal from normal hardworking, Canada writes: Michele K ' they knew full well their relationship WAS a security risk. '

    Maybe the Bikers were worried that she would leak their secrets and asked her to distance herself?

    The most frequent form of spying these days is industrial espionage for developign asian countries. Can we name any political spouses with connections to Asia who should be under continuous surveillance Jack Layton?
  74. Toast And coffee from Somewhere, Canada writes: This is nothing more than a witch hunt. An ex girlfriend with no criminal record. Some of you 'holier than though' posters make me sick.

    Talk about judgemental. Is every public servant supposed to ask for approval from CSIS before asking for a date. Absolute lunacy!

    Quite obviously a port worker who might be recruited by a terrorist organization is in a position to do us much and immediate harm.
  75. George Duncan from Canada writes: As a Conservative, the optics etc of the Couillard-Bernier episode are not good from a governance perspective. This best be resolved very quickly inorder that the public has some reassurance otherwise the government can watch and see what happens.
  76. Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: Shawn Bull from Canada writes: 'Please pull the plug Dion and give Canada the much deserved Conservative Majority.'
    =============================================
    It seems that Dion and the Libs are driving Harper and the Cons crazy because they (the cons) thought they would have their election long ago. Now they (the cons) are having scandals at the rate of about one a week, their poll numbers are going down, and they have run out of ideas.
    Dion, on the other hand, controls the timing of an election. He is formulating good policies while the cons can do nothing but use their childish antics of calling him names.
    If the Conservatives want an election that bad they can vote against a confidence motion themselves.
  77. Federico Pena from Calgary, Canada writes: I'm not too concerned about the national security aspect of all this, but it does seem strange that she wanted to sit in on Foreign Affairs meetings, and I think the questions from the opposition are quite valid and warrant a straight answer.

    What concerns me more is that this woman could be designated a 'spouse' of the minister and get to travel with him on the taxpayers dime. I know that I wouldn't be able to get my employer to pay for my wife to accompany me on business trips, yet an apparent casual dating partner of the minister gets a free ride. Does this mean a minister's drinking buddy could get free airfare and hotel as well? I think there is a bigger issue here.
  78. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    Liberals Steal -- I think Mr. Gagliano needs to get what is coming to him. I think you need to stick to the topic of this article.

    But of course, in the true 'Straussian' tradition you seek to divert the discussion by slinging any mud you can find and hope some sticks. Well, what else can you do when you cannot defend the indefensible.
  79. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    Toast And coffee from Somewhere, Canada writes: This is nothing more than a witch hunt. An ex girlfriend with no criminal record.

    ----------------------Hey Toast did Gerda Munsinger have a criminal record??
  80. mech eng from calgary, Canada writes: Everybody screamed the conservatives were racist when the fact was brought up that the father of Liberal MP Navdeep Bains had ties to the suspects in the Air India bombing. This right around the time that the Liberals decided to flip flop their position on security certificates.

    Now everyone is screaming that it's Harper's fault that the policies don't require a Minister's girlfriend to have a security screening. (BTW, I HIGHLY doubt that these policies were something the CPC or Harper had ANY had in writing.)

    Obviously, nothing is good enough for you people. The funny thing is you don't even see the hypocrisy. Harper bad. Liberals good. We get it.
  81. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    mech eng from calgary, Canada writes: Harper bad. Liberals good. We get it.

    ---------------------- Whew!! Finally!!! I thought you might never get it.
  82. Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    Well I'd love to stay and play but I have to go to the dentist. Can you believe it 'Nobody's Fool' chipped a wisdom tooth!!! It must have been the CONS doing they will anything to rid the planet of any sign of wisdom.
  83. The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: One standard for Harper's Cabinet another for everyone else.
  84. The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: Welcome to the 'New Government' same old corruption
  85. Steve Not an Alberta Redneck from Calgary, Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: 'Why are ports in Vancouver controlled by organized crime, like the Hell's Angels? If the security is so extensive, that wouldn't happen. Ports in Montreal and Halifax are likewise completely infiltrated.'

    Security checks can only go so far. We need politicians and senior bureaucrats with the balls and foresight to do something about this. I very much doubt that they really support the guys on the line and when the trheats come in, security check or not, its difficult not to back off.
  86. mech eng from calgary, Canada writes: Harper bad, Dion good.

    Baaaa
  87. D K from Canada writes: 'Nobody's Fool from Thailand writes:

    mech eng from calgary, Canada writes: Harper bad. Liberals good. We get it.
    Whew!! Finally!!! I thought you might never get it. '

    More like: Conservatives bad. Liberals bad. NDP very bad. Bloc bad but limited influence. Taxpayer screwed.
  88. MR. oz from Canada writes: All Port workers should be scrutinized very, very well!
  89. No Name Necessary from Canada writes: nice top she has on...quite apropos for the occasion.
  90. Shane Jordan from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Liberals Steal...Did you seriously jsut call for a closer security look at Olivia Chow simply because she has Chinese ancestory?? Wow buddy, better have your meds checked soon.
  91. Jim Goodwin from Canada writes: Not just port workers, but also members of the armed forces, RCMP and other civil servants, and depending on the level of security, these security investigations are done every 5 to 10 years. Even as a commissionaire working at a federal/provincial conference I was required to fill out security forms, that included not only the names of my spouse but also the names of ex-spouses, and the names of my children over the age of 18. We had to wait for weeks for the results of the investigations to come through and this was for a 3 day conference. I would think that our soldiers in the field would like to know that their political masters have to undergo at least the same security checks as they requrie to do their jobs.
  92. bj sutherland from Victoria, Canada writes: Of course, elected officials and their spouses (common-law or otherwise) should have security checks. Instead of making such stupid statements about privacy, the government could have quietly done a check on Bernier's girlfriend and given her the all-clear publicly if that was the case. She was associated with a couple of these questionable characters and that makes her suspect. If she was undercover, that makes her vulnerable. Either way, this was badly handled.
  93. Winston Smith from Canada writes: Where did Max meet her? At the strip joint in Hull?
  94. Donalda Williams Clogg from Hudson, Canada writes: I just do not understand Mr.Harper's flippant dismissal of this whole affair.
    Why would Mr.Bernier list his friend as a spouse and be permitted to take her on his government jet to a secret military base somewhere in the Middle East? This was reported in the press.
  95. Alastair james Berry from Nanaimo BC CANADA, Canada writes: Some time back, when I was in the Canadian Armed forces I HAD TO ASK PERMISSION TO GET MARRIED and my wife was subject to a security check which raised not a little interest in the the English country village where she had been raised.

    Some of my colleagues had their security clearance reduced ( and even lifted, ruining their careers)if they got into a romantic relationship with German girls.

    It seems to me all those who run for office should be put through a security clearance before being allowed any access to ITEMS INVOLVING CANADIAN NATIONAL SECURITY!

    It would seem to be folly to allow MP's for instance unfettered access to National or Trade secrets.

    In the UK at the end of WW11 some LABOUR(Socialist) MP's in WestMinister saw to it that RUSSIA got not only NUCLEAR SECRETS but actual specimens of all the latest UK Jet engines and aeronautical technology!

    We surely would want this type of
    insanity to be avoided in Ottawa would we not?

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