• CTF calls on Prime Minister to order independent investigation
  
• Minister should strive to clear his name from allegations of improper conduct
  
• Situation again points to need for "Comprehensive Whistelblowing Legislation"

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has responded to another media report where the integrity and conduct of officials in the office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and consequently, Minister Alfonso Gagliano's personal reputation has been drawn into question.

Do the Right Thing

"The allegations leveled against the Minister's office by the former chairman of the Canada Lands Company, Mr. John Grant, are very serious indeed," noted CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "Minister Gagliano has continually protested that much of the controversy surrounding the awarding of contracts and other dealings emanating from his office is merely the result of political machinations by 'backroom boys', but this political smoke has now mushroomed into a troubling and fast moving ethical fire. The irony here is that in any province in the country, the minister in question would have already tendered his or her resignation."

Time to Step Aside

"The integrity of a Minister of the Crown has been brought into fundamental question, Minister Gagliano should step aside and allow a thorough and independent investigation into Mr. Grant's allegations to proceed. If he is not wiling to voluntarily step aside, the Prime Minister should finally exercise leadership and remove him from his cabinet post," added Robinson.

Need for Comprehensive Whistleblowing Legislation

"This is yet another example of why Canada needs a comprehensive whistleblower law," added Robinson. "Governments have a legitimate right to implement their policy plans and whistleblowing legislation should not allow disgruntled individuals to make vexatious or partisan claims, but conscientious public servants must have a vehicle to put the public interest above their Oath of Secrecy and/or duty to their employer when evidence of ethical breach, gross mismanagement and/or financial mismanagement exists."