Langley Tories have been urging local business owners to attend a party fundraiser/expo that will provide them with an "exclusive opportunity to showcase your company's products or services" to International Trade Minister David Emerson. But a spokesperson for Langley MP Mark Warawa denies such advertisements makes it appear the party is trying to raise money by offering access to Minister Emerson. At issue: next month, the Tory's local constituency association had planned to host a fundraiser called Langley Expo 2006: A Langley Trade Showcase.
Locals were invited to attend a buffet dinner at a cost of $125 a ticket, where "participating business owners" could setup display tables, according to an advertisement for the event posted on the Conservative Future Network Website by Warawa's son Ryan. That advertisement was first revealed by Langley Poltics Dotcom's Jordan Bateman earlier this month. A separate flyer, obtained by Public Eye, states the expo will allow those owners to display their wares for Emerson and "receive valuable information on how to make your business profit from the 2010 Olympic event. Book your table now!"
In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Warawa's press secretary Tanya Charles-Tait said "there was no cost to having a display table" at the expo - even though there's no mention of that offer in either advertisement. When asked how business owners would have known about the offer, Ms. Charles-Tait said they would have had to contact the event organizers.
But retired University of Victoria political science professor Norman Ruff says the event advertisements give the appearance of "confusing government business with party business...The Harper administration promised a new era. And they call themselves Canada's New Government." But this makes it look like "they're using the same old political practices."
In any case, Ms. Charles-Tait says the exhibition portion of the event has been cancelled "due to the fact the Langley Chamber of Commerce is holding a business expo in the same month...So the event with Minister Emerson is now a dinner." Ms. Charles-Tait, who works in Mr. Warawa's constituency office, says that change was made last week. She also confirmed she was responsible for proofing the wording of the flyer. The following is a complete copy of Ryan's advertisement, as well as an edited version of the flyer (which was removed from the Web earlier today).
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The Langley Conservative Party of Canada Electoral District Association invites you to be a part of
Langley Expo 2006
A Langley trade showcase
Langley Expo will feature an "All Things Langley" display of local products for Minister of International Trade and the 2010 Olympics, the Honourable David Emerson, as well as an exotic buffet dinner featuring food produced in Langley, including ostrich, chicken, salmon, pork tenderloin and wine! Join the fun and see the Langley featured exhibits, as well as door prizes, 50/50 draw, raffles and entertainment!
Don't miss out on your exclusive opportunity to showcase your company's products or services with the Trade Minister! You will also receive valuable information on how to make your business profit from the 2010 Olympic event. Book your table now!
Saturday, October 7th, 2006
at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre
20393 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC
6PM - 11 PM Cocktails and Reception at 6 PM (No Host bar)
Featured Speakers: Hon. David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, Minister
for the Pacific Gateway and the 2010 Olympics.
MP Mark Warawa, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Environment
Tickets $125
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Langley Conservative EDA Dinner with MPs David Emerson and Mark Warawa
On October 7, 2006, the Langley EDA of the Conservative Party of Canada is hosting a fundraising dinner at the Coast Casino Hotel in Langley from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. Our guest speaker is Honourable David Emerson, Canada's Minister for International Trade and the 2010 Olympics. You are cordially invited to attend.
This is a tremendous opportunity for you as a Langley business person to meet David Emerson and his staff, discover new business opportunities, make new business contacts, and show what Langley has to offer the rest of Canada and the world. Because we are inviting participating business owners to set up displays, it is also a tremendous opportunity to promote your business and to see what other businesses in Langley have to offer, and to find out how your business can benefit from the 2010 Olympic Games. Langley business leaders have been waiting for this opportunity.
The theme of the dinner is "LANGLEY EXPO 2006". The menu will feature "ALL THINGS LANGLEY", that is, foods and beverages grown, raised or brewed right here in Langley (did you know there was a brewery and an ostrich farm here?). There will be displays form various businesses in Langley and lots of door prizes and surprises. We will also be hosting a VIP reception for invited guests to get "up close and personal" with the Minister, his staff, Langley MP Mark Warawa, other MPs, and local provincial and municipal politicians.
The cost per ticket is $125 per person. To purchase a ticket, contact Ryan Warawa at bcconservative@gmail.com or 604-831-7309.
To view the flyer for this event, please click here.
I thought both Bill C-24 brought in by the Liberals and the Tories' new Accountability Act banned coprporate (read business) donations??
Under C-24 a business, union or association can donate up to $1000 to a local riding organization.
C-2 is being stalled in the Senate by the Liberals so it is not the law yet.
but the tories will take the money anyway, even though they believe it is corrupt?
Will a spirit bear be there? what about some of those tory senators (fortier, you are a prize)? maybe an mp denouncing mandela? someone on the telephone who isn't quite as he seems?