MP Grewal could face probe over India trip
OTTAWA • The federal ethics commissioner has taken a step toward opening an investigation into a Liberal MP who helped a business affiliate gain access to events during the prime minister’s trip to India.
At the end of March, National Post reported that Raj Grewal included Yusuf Yenilmez, head of Zgemi Inc., a company from which Grewal profits, on a list of guests to invite to receptions in India earlier this year that were attended by the prime minister and senior members of cabinet.
The revelation prompted Conservatives and New Democrats to write to ethics commissioner Mario Dion, asking for a formal investigation into whether Grewal violated the Conflict of Interest Code that governs MPs.
According to a letter obtained by the Post, addressed to Conservative MP Stephanie Kusie, dated April 5 and marked “confidential,” the commissioner concluded that the information Kusie provided the previous week “meets the criteria” for him to take steps toward an investigation.
Dion is giving Grewal until May 4 to provide a written response, according to the letter. Once one is received, or after that deadline passes, stipulations in the code require Dion to decide on the necessity of a formal inquiry within 15 business days.
Kusie and NDP MP Charlie Angus both argued in letters to the ethics commissioner that Grewal’s conduct appeared to have directly contravened parts of the code that prohibit members from using their position to further their own private interests, or the interests of someone else.
The definition of “furthering private interests” is rather narrow, however, as Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch pointed out in a recent email to the Post. MPs violate the Code only if actions directly or indirectly increase assets, income or financial holdings, or result in a board or partnership position — or attempt to do any of those things.
Grewal began an employment relationship with Zgemi Inc. after becoming an MP. He provides legal services to the company, he said in a statement to the Post.
Yenilmez said, in an email, that he participated in the PM’s India trip via the Canada-India Business Council, and although he called Grewal’s office to “make sure” he was on the list for receptions, he would have had access anyway. He said the purpose of his participation was to try to expand his business.