Jaffer denies lobbying, drug use

[daleo]

Former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer has denied ever taking illegal substances or conducting unregistered lobbying of the federal government for access to a green infrastructure fund.

During an appearance at a parliamentary committee he later dismissed as a "circus," Jaffer and his business partner faced a grilling from MPs for more than two hours Wednesday afternoon over allegations the ex-MP conducted unregistered lobbying and improperly used his wife Helena Guergis's parliamentary office.

The couple have also been the subject of speculation, rumours and unsubstantiated reports involving cocaine use and offshore business accounts.

In his opening remarks before the government operations committee, Jaffer said he has "never partaken in any illegal substance," but apologized for his "poor judgment" on the night he was pulled over last September and charged with drunk driving and cocaine possession.
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Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/04/21/jaffer-parliament-committee-testify.html#ixzz0lmSred5T
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I think these claims will come back to haunt him. It looks like the Harperites have decided to cut him loose, to try to contain any scandal. Kady's live-blogging was most interesting.

[Clintonista2]

1. Let me guess...

He was just "holding the cocaine for a friend"

:eyes:

[Spazito]

2. I watched a fair amount of the hearing and...

Jaffer and his business partner did themselves NO favours by their appearance. They came across as arrogant, slimy liars. I must say I was pleasantly surprised when both Conservative reps were as hard on them as were the Opposition members given their contrasting behavior in the Afghanistan detainee hearings where the Conservative members do everything possible to obstruct that hearing.

Jaffer came across as totally unbelievable in his testimony, giving non-answer answers to all of the key questions.

It certainly was interesting to watch!

[CHIMO]

3. Thanks For

Your summary of the hearing. Didn't watch it.

I have to wonder when they, Jaffer and Helena, will realise that they are being hung out to dry and start spilling some of the beans. Seen it before with Diefenbaker. It is just a matter of time.

Better sooner than later.

Thanks for the analysis.

[Spazito]

4. You're welcome...

It was well worth the time to watch and I certainly will be looking to see if the three companies' names are provided to the Committee within the 24 hour timeline as that, too, will be very interesting, imo.