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January 14, 2005
Sgro to finally resign
The Toronto Star is reporting this morning that Immigration Minister Judy Sgro will announce her resignation today. Ms. Sgro has been in trouble for months over corruption in her Ministry and her immigration assistance to a Romanian stripper. But it wasn't either of those issues that brought her resignation, but a new allegation that is the subject of an affidavit filed in court yesterday.
In the affidavit, Harjit Singh (who is facing deportation next Thursday and owns a pizzeria) says the Immigration Minister pressured him to provide food for her election campaign in return for asylum in Canada. He alleges the Ms. Sgro reneged on the deal because of the heat she was getting over the Stripper Scandal.
The Canadian Press says Joe Volpe, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development will take over the post while Ms Sgro attempts to clear her name.
I doubt Sgro will make it back to Cabinet, though. There is now an apparent patter of behaviour on the part of this Minister - she doesn't seem to be concerned about abusing her power for political gain. What is similar in this case and the case of the Romanian stripper is that they came to her for help, but instead of helping them (or not helping them) as her job demanded, she instituted a quid pro quo - you help me, I'll help you.
That's why Sgro should have resigned months ago, but today will have to do.
Further Reading:
Volpe to replace Sgro at Immigration (Toronto Star)
Sgro to resign (Globe and Mail)
Report: Judy Sgro to leave cabinet today (CTV News)
Immigration minister Sgro quitting (CBC News)
Joe Volpe's Official Web Site
Judy Sgro's Official Web Site
Posted by maxthecat on January 14, 2005 at 09:18 AM | Comments (1)
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Posted by: mightymouse on January 15, 2005 at 10:10 PM
One wonders how The Star got an exclusive on the resignation. Normally, the PMO would be out there with the story to ensure that the paper that brought down a Minister didn't get also get the benefit of breaking another story.