Mayes refutes call for ethics review

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 20, 2009 7:00 PM

Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes admits he mishandled announcing infrastructure money but he doesn’t believe his actions warrant an investigation.The Liberal Party has filed complaints with the ethics commissioner against 47 Conservative MPs, including Mayes. It’s alleged there was a conflict of interest by using government resources to obtain a tangible benefit, specifically having the Conservative logo displayed on large ceremonial cheques used during the announcement of funding for infrastructure projects.“The Liberals are looking for an issue and over-reacting,” said Mayes.

In April, Mayes posed with a ceremonial cheque in Coldstream that included his photo and the Conservative logo. Mayes says his staff consulted with what he calls the “wrong people” in the party about the cheque and was told that use of the logo was acceptable.“We were poorly informed. I did see it and I felt uncomfortable with it but I didn’t take it away,” he said.However, he insists that the actions of Conservative MPs are not a conflict of interest.“Taking $40 million for patronage under the sponsorship scandal should be taken to the ethics commissioner,” he said.“This was just an inappropriate use of the logo and taxpayers’ dollars were not misspent.”

Mayes isn’t sure if the ethics commissioner will launch an investigation.Mayes has put the ceremonial cheque into storage and a photo of the Coldstream presentation has been removed from his website.He also says that he is very clear about the origins of the money that is being handed out.“I always tell people that this is us bringing your tax dollars back to projects you support,” he said, adding that his party allegiances don’t dictate where money goes.“I represent everyone whether they voted for me or not.”

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http://www.colinmayes.ca/media/Mayes_HouseholderSpring2009.pdf