Post office lacks Dingwall details
Reportedly paid former minister’s firm $1 million in six-year contract
Canada Post says it doesn’t have details about what it got in exchange for reportedly paying $1 million over six years to the firm of a former Liberal cabinet minister right after he was defeated in the 1997 election.
“That was a long time ago,” Jon Hamilton, a spokesman for the corporation, wrote in an email. “There are no further details available regarding that contract.”
Hamilton also said the corporation had “no plans” to examine the 1997 contract awarded to Wallding International, the consulting firm of former minister David Dingwall, who now works at a Toronto law firm.
The contract came to light after a lengthy battle and investigation by the federal information commissioner that was launched when the corporation declined to release records requested by Montreal newspaper La Presse under access to information legislation.
The newspaper reported that the contract called for monthly payments of $15,000 for strategic advice in management and labour relations.
Dingwall, who was defeated after pushing through sweeping federal anti-tobacco legislation as health minister, did not immediately respond to email and phone messages requesting comment.
The NDP accused the Conservative government of being silent on the issue, noting that Dingwall was known for infamously telling a parliamentary committee examining his expense accounts that he was “entitled to his entitlements.”
Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, who is responsible for Canada Post, said through a spokeswoman that the corporation operates at arm’s length from government and is expected to have rigorous practices in place for its contracting.
Liberal deputy leader Ralph Goodale, a former cabinet minister and colleague of Dingwall, said the government at that time expected Crown corporations to meet their obligations to get value for money on their contracts.