Tory’s fundraiser advertised as both ‘Fort McMurray fire charity event’ and ‘party leader’s first rally event.’
MP Bob Saroya is offering free entry to a $400-a-ticket political fundraiser with prospective Conservative party leadership candidates for anyone who donates $1000 to the Red Cross for disaster relief after the raging Fort McMurray, Alta., forest fire.
The Conservative electoral district association that organizes on behalf of Conservative MP Bob Saroya in Markham, Ont., is offering free entry to a $400-a-ticket political fundraiser with prospective Conservative party leadership candidates for anyone who donates $1000 to the Red Cross for disaster relief after the raging Fort McMurray, Alta., forest fire.
An invitation the Conservative association distributed this week—in Chinese as well as in English as it addressed the Asian community in Mr. Saroya’s riding of Markham-Unionville—describes the event scheduled for today, Saturday, as “the Fort McMurray fire charity event” and also “Conservative Party leader’s first rally event.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) toured the scene of devastation on Friday, after his government extended EI benefits in Edmonton, Alta., as part of the federal response following an earlier Cabinet decision the government would match Red Cross donations dollar-to-dollar.
A staffer in Mr. Saroya’s Markham office hung up his telephone Friday evening after a reporter from The Hill Times began asking questions about the event and its planning.
The invitation from Mr. Saroya’s electoral district association states those who pay $400 for entry to the political fundraising side of the event can qualify for a tax credit of up to 75 per cent of the ticket price as a political contribution.
“Charity donation: by cheque or items, $1000+ donations can enter event for free (waive $400), please register prior, donation organization: Red Cross Canada,” the invitation says.
The reporter had informed the person who answered the phone that there were concerns over the mixture of political fundraising and charity donations for victims of the devastating Fort McMurray fire.
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