OTTAWA – The secrecy surrounding the approval of Nexen’s takeover by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is of growing concern for Canadians. While the Conservative government has refused to provide clear information about the potential benefits of this foreign takeover, it has been revealed that Conservative insiders acted as lobbyists for the transaction.
“Stephen Harper and his Industry Minister keep saying they will approve the transaction if it benefits Canadians, but all talks are taking place behind closed doors,� said New Democrat Energy and Natural Resources Critic, Peter Julian. “It’s unacceptable. We’re concerned by the eventual repercussions of this takeover, especially now that we know two Nexen lobbyists are former advisors to Stephen Harper.�
Under the Canadian Investment Act, the Conservative government has 45 days to approve the Nexen takeover by the state-owned CNOOC. For weeks the NDP has been calling for public hearings to allow Canadians to review the deal, but Conservatives stubbornly refuse to allow the Standing Committees on Natural Resources and Industry to study it.
A recent Abacus survey reveals that 60% of Canadians are against this $15.1 billion transaction.
“We are talking with workers, business representatives and economists, and all are concerned about the impact of the sale of a significant Canadian energy company to foreign interests,� said NDP Industry Critic Hélène LeBlanc. “The Conservatives must lift the secrecy surrounding this deal and hold a thorough public review.�
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NDP Critic for Canadian Heritage Peter Julian issued the following statement:
"It has come to our attention that a consultant for a federally funded anti-racism project has a disturbing track record of spewing hate speech online against Jewish and francophone communities. This is completely unacceptable. We call on the Minister of Heritage to take drastic action and terminate his contract.
NDP Heritage Critic Peter Julian issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement by Hockey Canada is another attempt to delay the important and urgent work to deal with the toxic culture in this organization. While a former Supreme Court Justice is a credible appointment to conduct the review into Hockey Canada, this won’t be the first time the organization undergoes this process.
NDP critic for Canadian Heritage, Peter Julian, made the following statement:
“Canadians are horrified by the incidents of sexual assault and by what they’re hearing from Hockey Canada. They are left with many questions about how this toxic culture is allowed to persist in our sports organizations and what the government is actually doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again.