While the conventional media have been fixated on the Connie's deliberate effort to undermine parliamentary committees by co-ordinating a refusal by witnesses to testify, some details of the in-out scheme were entered by witnesses who did show up.
Here's one excerpt from the testimony of a former provincial cabinet minister. Two other witnesses, from the campaign in random-Burin-St. Georges gave similar evidence: money sent down from Ottawa on condition it be sent back a couple of days later. No sign that any national advertising ever appeared using the taglines of the local candidates.
Hon. Charles Hubbard: Where was the money spent?
Mr. Joe Goudie (Conservative candidate in Labrador; former provincial cabinet minister): We have no idea.
Again, I remind you and the honourable committee that I, personally, was not aware of this until after the campaign was completed and really, in any detail, not until the news report came out in April. The money was not spent by us.
Mrs. Singleton [campaign manager]and Mr. Barnes were both.... More specifically, Mr. Barnes, my official agent, was directed by a gentleman, Mr. Hudson of the Conservative Party of Canada, to, once funds had been transferred to our account.... It was explained that 60% of that amount could then be claimed on our election return, which seemed unusual but nevertheless they were following directions, and that the amount of money transferred to our account would then have to be returned to the Conservative Party of Canada as soon as possible.
Hon. Charles Hubbard: To clarify, if you gave somebody $10,000 and wanted it back.... They could claim that $10,000 in the expense, which they didn't spend. Do you mean to tell me you'd get $6,000 back from the Government of Canada as a result?
Mr. Joe Goudie: As I understand it, that was the implication of the explanation. Yes.
Hon. Charles Hubbard: Where would that $6,000 eventually wind up?
Mr. Joe Goudie: In the campaign account, as far as I know. I know nothing other than that.
Hon. Charles Hubbard: It almost sounds, Mr. Goudie, like a very fast way of making money.
Mr. Joe Goudie: It sounds that way.
No wonder someone wanted to shift the media coverage to something other than testimony.
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