Government of Canada seeks additional sponsorship program money
By Adnews Staff
The Government of Canada is seeking to recover an additional $7.8 million in its civil suit against the sponsorship program defendants as a result of new information from the Gomery Commission. The amount includes another $4.3 million from Groupaction Marketing and Jean Brault, $1.9 million from Jean Lafleur and smaller sums from other previously-named defendants. The revised claim also accounts for a settlement of $1.6 million from Paul Coffin and Communication Coffin, as well as $50,000 from Groupe OSL. These defendants settled with the government in August and September, respectively. The original claim, filed on March 11, sought to recover $40.8 million from 19 defendants. The revised total sought is now $44.1 million. "This amended claim is a direct result of the federal government's determination to recover misused sponsorship funds," said Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "The Government of Canada will continue taking all necessary steps to safeguard Canadians' tax dollars."