Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Opinion

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BOB WAKEHAM: Danny Williams buying political influence shows why election rules in NL must change

Williams' donation that got him the ear of the NL premier on Churchill Falls shows why election donation rules must change

That timeless and perceptive adage that “money talks” — one of whose interpretations unambiguously concludes that plenty of bucks can buy influence and gain access to governments — was never more disturbingly evident than Danny Williams’ admission that his personal donation of nearly $47,000 to Tony Wakeham’s successful election campaign opened the doors to allow the ex-premier to personally lobby the new premier to tear up the proposed changes in the infamous Upper Churchill contract.

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First off, it should be noted — ad nauseam, if necessary — that Williams’ sizable contribution to Wakeham’s political efforts was made possible because this province is one of only two in the country that places no limits on the contributions made by individuals or groups or companies, etc., to a political party or politician.

It’s a nauseous status quo that reeks of political immorality, a law that demolishes the laudable notion of every single soul having the same degree of say in the formation of a government, and embarrassingly permits the continuation of a system that allows for the purchase (implied or otherwise) of access to those in authority.

So what can you do if you’re a company seeking a lucrative contract from a party that could form the government?

Well, an effective option is to help fill the coffers of that particular crowd of candidates during an election, and hope to be rewarded if and when that party forms........

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