Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, the Conservatives reached a new level of absurdity. In an outrageously over-the-top statement, the Prime Minister said that government appointments have never been based on anything but merit.
Never mind that the Senate is full of campaign organizers like Doug Finley or defeated candidates like Josée Verner.
I have a quiz for the people at home.
Is the vice-president of the CRTC: (a) a man with a strong communications background; or, (b) a friend of Senator Housakos with no experience?
Those who chose (b) are correct.
Was Bernard Généreux appointed to the board of directors of the Quebec Port Authority for his love of the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, or for the blue on his election signs?
The answer is obvious.
It is pathetic, but a fact is a fact. No agency can escape Conservative patronage.