Braid: Lax donation laws lead to toxic political brew

Braid: Lax donation laws lead to toxic political brew by Don Braid, October 25, 2012, Calgary Herald
The standards are so slack, in fact, that the chief electoral officer is right now forced by law not to release details of more than 30 cases of improper contributions. … But now, the political brew is so toxic that Thursday’s allegations in the legislature were almost unprecedented. Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson asked Redford: “How can she ensure that this government hasn’t been bought and paid for by the highest bidder?” New Speaker Gene Zwozdesky let all the questions run on, after mildly cautioning MLAs about rules. His predecessor, Ken Kowalski, might have slapped the entire opposition in irons. Clearly jolted, the premier said allegations from Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith were “offensive and rude.” She added that “it is not the job of the government of Alberta to investigate itself. It is the job of the chief electoral officer.” But will he investigate? Not really. “The law is silent on this sort of thing,” says Elections Alberta spokesman Drew Westwater…. [Emphasis added]