The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Ethics commissioner clears Halton MP Lisa Raitt By Tina Depko METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP 3 · Friday, May 14, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Parliament's conflict of interest and ethics commissioner has cleared Halton MP Lisa Raitt of allegations of wrongdoing concerning a fundraiser held in Sept. 2009. Raitt told the Post that she was pleased following the release of the report yesterday. "I'm relieved and I'm extremely thankful for all of the work that was put into the report," she said. Raitt was criticized last fall by the Liberals and NDP after an e-mail for a September Halton Conservative Association fundraiser was sent out by an employee of the Toronto Port Authority -- a government agency previously headed up by Raitt. The Opposition also expressed concern that a contact listed for tickets was a higherup at the Cement Association of Canada, which works with the Department of Natural Resources. Raitt was minister of that portfolio until January, when she was reassigned to Labour. "The report is really accurate and it goes over the facts that I knew -- that I was invited to the fundraiser and attended, and afterwards the questions were raised about the organization," she said. "The ethics commissioner goes over how it unfolded and that I really didn't have anything to do with the fundraiser." In a report released Thursday, the commissioner provided reasons for her ruling. "I have determined that Ms. Raitt has not contravened section 14 of the Code in respect of the political fundraising event of September 24, 2009," wrote Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson. "...Because Ms. Raitt was not involved in the recruitment of these volun- teers or the organization of the fundraiser and therefore did not accept these services or contributions." "Ms. Raitt did not contravene section 25 as she did not take any actions for the purpose of circumventing any of her obligations under the Code," the report concluded. Dawson also noted in her report that the riding association implemented Halton EDA Fundraising Guidelines last October. Raitt told the Post yesterday that the inquiry had nothing to do with her change in portfolios. "I really enjoyed my time at Natural Resources, but I am enjoying my time at Labour too," she said. "The Prime Minister said on the day that I moved portfolios that they wanted to give me more experience in other ways and that I have a bright future." The ethics report continues to keep the rookie MP in the spotlight. Raitt, who was elected in Oct. 2008, has also been publicly criticized by fellow MPs and by the media on other issues, such as her aide misplacing a briefing book, and a tape recording that revealed comments she made that downplayed the isotope shortage that was delaying medical procedures. Raitt said that despite past controversy, she is not deterred from federal politics, preferring to focus on the accomplishments she's helped achieve for the communities in the Halton riding. She confirmed that voters will see her again in the next federal election. "Absolutely," she said when asked if she will run for re-election. "I have the best job in the world and I love representing the people of Halton. As they say, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." -With files from Tim Foran, Metroland Media West Group LOOKING FORWARD with FASHION 200 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville · 905.842.0232 · www.burrowsclothiers.com Sign Up On Line www.ultimatedrivers.ca DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE, LET US HELP YOUR EARN IT Six Programs to choose from: 17 Years ent of Excell Service · Defensive Driving Certificate Program - MTO Approved Minimizes Road Test Time and Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount · Advance Defensive Driving Program Minimizes Road Test Time, Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount and Teaches You Emergency Skills · Driver Retraining Program for Reinstating Driver's License · Complete Refresher Program Prepares you for G2 or G License · Refresher Program Helps Reviewing your Driving Habits for Test · Preparation and Evaluation Warm Up Practice Before the Test NEXT PROGRAMS STARTS ON JUNE 5 (2 WEEKENDS) r TM * $ Valid on Defensive Driving Program Only SAVE 50.00 407 Speers Road Suite 205 s r Gift Certificates Available 905-825-1172