Statement made on 25 October 2011 by Senator Terry Mercer
Hon. Terry M. Mercer:
Honourable senators, according to a report published last week, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Bernard Valcourt, made an announcement last Wednesday that Ottawa was eliminating 100 positions at ACOA. He said the agency identified cost savings through cuts to jobs, as well as through other measures, including hiring fewer consultants.
However, in late September, former MLA and provincial cabinet minister, and failed federal Conservative candidate, Cecil Clarke, landed himself a new job as a consultant at the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority. He is being paid through the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation to the tune of $135,000. It should be noted that the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation reports to Parliament through the minister responsible for ACOA.
Could the leader explain why ACOA is slashing public service jobs to save money but is shelling out thousands of dollars to hire a failed Conservative candidate?
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