And the plot thickens

Duffy Trial Delves Into World Of Tory Caucus, Party Fundraisers

OTTAWA - A cabinet minister invited Mike Duffy to speak to supporters in his B.C. constituency, but the local Conservative association only picked up part of the bill, a court heard Wednesday.

The suspended senator's trial drew its first witness from Parliament Hill, entering the realm of Conservative caucus meetings and party fundraisers.

Government whip John Duncan was called by the Crown to tell how he invited the now-suspended senator to speak at a riding event in June 2009. At the time, Duncan was aboriginal affairs minister.

Justice Charles Vaillancourt heard that Duffy had quickly developed a reputation in the caucus as someone who could help raise funds and stimulate interest in local riding associations.

"The message was that he came, that he spoke well and that people really enjoyed his conversation, his jokes and his talk," Duncan said of the former broadcaster.'

Duffy has pleaded not guilty to 31 counts of fraud, breach of trust and bribery, including 18 related to trips he took at public expense.

Duncan said at least 120 people attended the dinner in Courtenay, B.C.'

"A lot of my constituents and party members were quite interested because they watched Mr. Duffy on his show ... so there was a pretty high level of interest in meeting with him."

The local riding association paid for Duffy to stay two nights at a local hotel and for a few of his meals.

"Our (riding) president offered to pay the flight from Vancouver to Comox," Duncan said. "We actually received an invoice from Sen. Duffy's office and our treasurer refused to pay it, so we never paid it."

READ MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/06/ezra-levant-testifies-on-_n_7219868.html?utm_hp_ref=tw