Stronach might have conflict, rivals say (Cdn Tory leadership) - T.O. Star

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1075331417137&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467

Belinda Stronach's call for more military funding has put her in a potential conflict of interest because her family's company, Magna International, is supplying vehicles to the army, Conservative leadership rivals charge.

Stronach, 37, came under fire yesterday because Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of the firm she ran until stepping down last week, builds the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons in Graz, Austria. The Canadian Armed Forces signed a $140 million contract to buy 800 G-wagons to replace aging Iltis Jeeps, with the first armoured vehicles slated to begin service next month in Afghanistan.

Leadership rival Tony Clement expressed "concern" that Stronach could personally profit from a defence contract.

"The next Conservative party leader has to be above reproach because we are going to take it to Paul Martin and the Chrétien-Martin Liberals on their ethical standards in the past," he said.

What other viable political parties are there? Are they conservative? Liberal? Do the conservative parties have a good chance now?

Is Martin hurt by all of this? It seems like he is a real pickle.

The Toronto Scar is always rather amusing. Wonder what they'll say about all the shipping contracts that Paul Martin's firm has with the DND?

that if he abandons the social liberal tenents of the Liberal Party, its endorsement may be lost, suggesting it would go to the NDP.

But Cheney and the boys have no problem handing out billions to their own (and friends) companies.

pretty soon you're hawking Aircraft Carriers to third-world dictators for pocket change.