Top Tory organizers challenge lobby rules

Top Tory organizers challenge lobby rules
Burney unhappy with Harper's decision to prevent transition team from lobbying

Former Stephen Harper insiders -- including Derek Burney, the powerful former civil servant who led the government changeover -- are challenging an order from the Prime Minister's Office that retroactively forbids the transition team from lobbying for the next five years. And they are saying they want to make their case before a Commons committee.

Mr. Burney, who led the transition team, expressed concern yesterday about an amendment to the proposed accountability act that would make it illegal for former members of the team to lobby government. His remarks came as Tories across Ottawa -- particularly former Progressive Conservatives -- were quietly critical of the amendment, which they say unfairly targets one of their own.

"I put a premium on loyalty and most people in politics do, and this is affecting one of my team members in a manner I find unfair."

"Let's keep in mind, that, it may have been only 2 ½weeks of volunteer time, but she wasn't engaged with stocking the shelves with stationery," he said. "She was engaged in hiring the most powerful people in the country . . ."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060612.wxlobbyist12/BNStory/National/home

Loyality to who? The Tories, the lobby or to the Government of Canada...big difference

But don't let the public interest interfere in re-making government like a corporate headquarters where middle managers replace politicians.

Unfortunately since this was a trend under the Liberals, then it does seem hypocritical (and dumb) to handicap yourselves with 'principles' or some 'fairness' shit.