Transparency and Accountability?

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that every time the government of Canada creates a stir that something important is happening somewhere else?

When the “Law and Order” omnibus bill pretty much got a wave from the opposition parties, Mr. Harper decided it was time to fix the Senate.  No outcry over the first, let’s get them excited with the second.

So while the media and opposition were yelling about the Senate, the conservatives quietly announced the impending sale of the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).  Did I mention that they announced this after the doors closed on the House of Commons for the session?  Did I mention that they announced this on the eve of the Canada Day Weekend?

That’s the Standard Operating Procedure for these guys.  Big announcements when:

a) The media and the rest of us are distracted or

b) When the House is in recess or prorogued or

c) On the eve of a holiday when everyone is busy elsewhere. 

Now there is

d) All of the above.

For a bunch that campaign on accountability and transparency there doesn’t seem to be much there.

It’s a sweet deal for the guys who bought it though.  $15 Million for over $1 Billion in assets and the government pays them $75 Million for doing business with them. 

Oh yes, we keep the debt.