Fantino: An Open Letter

Sir,

On 07 April, 2014 at 8:03 PM on Twitter you tweeted “Disappointed that Union of Veterans Affairs Employees financing Veterans groups with secret "War Fund."”  You then provided a link to the House Publications that serves as an online record of evidence provided by witnesses.  

Julian Fantino @JulianFantino 

Disappointed that Union of Veterans Affairs Employees financing Veterans groups with secret "War Fund."http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspxLanguage=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=2&DocId=6493940&File=0…

You sir, have abused parliamentary committee testimony for political gain. You sir, have disgraced an element of democracy that is vital to the welfare of Canada.  If Prime Minster Harper had a shred of competence he would fire you from the Conservative caucus before you have a chance to resign. 

Let me be very clear on why you need to be removed.  The concept behind Parliamentary Committee testimony is to inform and educate MPs.  The primary benefit of parliamentary testimony for MPs is maintaining contact with the population and avoiding the groupthink of the Ottawa “bubble”. 

Individuals and organizations take time and effort to prepare for an appearance before any Parliamentary Committee.  Canadians appear because they care and/or have a vested interest in the committee’s business.  Canadians feel they are partaking in an important role in our democracy.  Most Canadians believe that MPs on committees are interested in what is brought before them. 

You sir, obviously have a different position.  You have proven that political gain is you objective.  Furthermore, you have indicated that Parm Gill MP is your willing toady.  Gill sifts the dirt and you fling it at those who have taken a bullet for you. 

Why would the wounded, families, individual veterans, experts, or Veteran Organizations bother to provide evidence if it is to be abused or used for political gain?

Any politician who would use testimony before a Parliamentary Committee as a source of a political attack does not deserve to hold office.

Please do the honourable thing and resign.

Sincerely,

David T. MacLeod CD MA

Fire Fantino from Jim Newton on Vimeo.