The NDP help build more Affordable Housing

Are the NDP really bought and paid for by Canadian Unions? Okay, fine, that was a stupid question.

OTTAWA -- Canada's big trade unions gave the federal NDP a $3.4-million gift only months before new financing rules severely restricted contributions to political parties.

Canada's nine largest and most powerful unions responded to fundraising rules which took effect in January 2004 by pooling their cash and buying the federal socialist party led by Jack Layton a three-storey office building in downtown Ottawa.

The coalition, which included the Canadian Auto Workers, Communications, Energy and Steelworkers unions, decided to make all donations to the NDP planned for the next decade in the fall of 2003 and earmarked them for the purchase of the building.

Remember, Jack Layton is the friend of the *little guy*. He's working for YOU!

According to Elections Canada's record of 2003 donations, the NDP got about $3.1 million in donations from nine unions involved in the purchase of the prime office space.

The NDP's 2004 financial records released Monday by Elections Canada also shows a $300,000 loan from the Canadian Labour Congress.

And the wheels on the bus go round and round.

When you think about it, $3.1 million would have gone a long way to feeding the poor and homeless on our Canadian streets. At least Smiling Jack has a new home.

Calgary Sun article here.