MacKay put his foot in it, too
At times during his career in the Conservative government, Peter MacKay found himself the focus of headlines he probably would rather not have seen. Here are a few controversies:
F-35 BOONDOGGLE
MacKay’s name became forever linked to the F-35 jet controversy when he became the driving force at the cabinet table behind the purchase of the stealth fighter. Even as U.S. military officials and lawmakers warned the cost of the problemplagued jet was spiralling, MacKay was adamant the project was proceeding smoothly.
The Conservatives were later forced to put their jet purchase plans on hold. A 2010 news conference to announce plans to buy the fighter jet featured MacKay sitting in the cockpit of an F-35, giving the thumbs-up to the cameras.
It was later revealed the aircraft was a model and the photo-op cost taxpayers $47,000.
CHOPPER FOLLIES
This series of gaffes was dubbed by some critics “Cormorant-gate.”
In September 2011, details emerged about MacKay’s use of government aircraft, with media outlets reporting nearly $3 million was spent to shuttle the minister around the country and overseas.
Shortly after, it was revealed his office had requested a Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopter to pick him up at a fishing lodge near Gander, N.L., in July 2010.
MacKay later used a government Challenger to fly to his riding in Nova Scotia to attend a lobster dinner. The total cost of the helicopter pickup was estimated at $16,000, while the Challenger flight cost about $25,000.
Critics called for MacKay’s resignation, accusing him of using military assets for personal reasons. At first, he claimed the helicopter ride was part of a planned military search-and-rescue demonstration.
But Defence Department emails later emerged admitting that labelling the flight as a demonstration was a “guise.”
LESSER STUMBLES
In 2012, MacKay praised the French for fighting with the British in battling the American invaders during the War of 1812. The French, however, supported the Americans in that war.
A video posted in 2011 on YouTube showed MacKay telling former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that California and B.C. had a “shared border.” Schwarzenegger later politely pointed out that the states of Oregon and Washington were located between California and B.C.