Tory donors top list of patronage appointments, Liberals say
Analysis claims Harper government favoured political supporters for positions
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An analysis of Elections Canada records by the Liberals claims at least 20 patronage appointments handed out by the Harper government this month went to political supporters who had given money to the Conservative party or its candidates. Some jobs are honorary titles that pay small per diems, while others are full-time positions with salaries. Twenty of the appointees named this month gave a total of more than $25,000 to the Conservative party or its candidates, the Liberal analysis of Elections Canada records shows, but it’s unlikely jobs are handed out in return for small campaign contributions, as political donations are capped at $1,100 annually, under election finance changes ushered in by the Tories. PMO spokesman Andrew MacDougall said the Liberals know well of hypocrisy and patronage, having appointed Liberal MPs to several patronage positions.