They're still the party of Big Business, according to a review by Greg Weston of the money being received by the candidates (most of it loans, not donations) so far:
A review of financial filings for the other Liberal leadership candidates shows many of the campaigns getting around donation restrictions through a loophole that allows them to accept hefty loans, even from execs in big business. Stephane Dion: A single $200,000 loan from a Montreal businessman. Scott Brison: Four loans of $50,000 apiece from Nova Scotia business titans. Gerard Kennedy: Three loans from relatives (all adults) totaling $100,000. Michael Ignatieff: Two loans totalling $125,000 from supporter Ian Davey. Bob Rae: A single $100,000 loan from his brother John Rae, a senior executive of the giant Power Corporation. Martha Hall Findlay: A $50,000 loan from herself -- at 6.5%. Ken Dryden: Another self-loaner at $100,000.
While the loans are legal, Canadians might be excused for wondering whatever happened to the Liberals' own election financing reforms that were supposed limit contributions, cleansing our political system of even the appearance of undue influence being bought with big contributions?
Great question.
