By BRENT JANG
VICTORIA -- A B.C. Liberal Party fundraising letter is inviting people who work in public relations to donate $10,000 apiece at the same time that the provincial government is assessing contract proposals from the industry. While large corporations have been generous, the letter says, "the communications sector has never given its share." From public relations and advertising to graphic design and marketing, individuals working in those areas are asked to "demonstrate support for the government's initiatives in opening this province for business." New Democratic Party Leader Joy MacPhail called the invitation an attempt to place pressure on companies to donate or risk losing out on contract work for B.C.'s Liberal government led by Premier Gordon Campbell. "The timing just stinks. This letter makes it absolutely clear that there's no line now between the Liberal Party and the government." Ms. MacPhail said yesterday that the Liberals are cranking up their "propaganda machine" in an effort to deflect criticism and promote programs deemed by the government to be worthwhile. Kelly Reichert, executive director for the B.C. Liberal Party, dismissed the NDP concerns, saying the letter seeks support from anyone in the communications field who believes in "lower personal income taxes, a better business climate and more jobs for British Columbians." He said there isn't anything suspicious about the letter, co-signed by Patrick Kinsella, one of the key architects of the Liberals' election-campaign strategy last year. "The government does have an open tendering process, so whether somebody donates would not help them in obtaining a government contract," Mr. Reichert said. However, Ms. MacPhail said the Liberals are offering access to cabinet ministers in exchange for a donation. Besides making direct cash donations, public relations firms could "build a fund-raising effort around an event or two -- events where we can invite clients or others for an intimate lunch or dinner with a key cabinet minister," the letter says. A $2,000-a-plate dinner scheduled last month for Stan Hagen, the province's Minister of Sustainable Resource Management, was cancelled because many of those expected to attend were on summer holidays, the B.C. Liberal Party said. Mr. Reichert said it has been difficult to arrange meetings during the summer. Yesterday, a meeting scheduled between Mr. Kinsella and invited guests to discuss fundraising ideas in the communications sector had to be postponed because several expected participants were on vacation. |
THE END
==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bUrHhl.bVKZIr Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
pixelshim.gif
Description: GIF image
