April 7, 2005: Harper threatens to sue Volpe over Grewal allegation

The Toronto Sun
April 7, 2005 Thursday
FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 25

HEADLINE: TORIES THREATEN TO SUE

BYLINE: BY BILL RODGERS, OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF

IMMIGRATION Minister Joe Volpe will be slapped with a lawsuit if he alleges a Conservative MP obtained or sought money from B.C. constituents seeking temporary residence visas for relatives and friends.

"I would say to the immigration minister and anyone else with the kind of cloud (the Liberals) are under, they should be very careful," Tory Leader Stephen Harper warned. "Because we will not hesitate to have them in court as fast as you can say Gomery if they are not correct in those kinds of accusations."

Volpe delivered a letter to Ethics Commissioner Bernard Shapiro on Tuesday, asking him to investigate reports that Tory MP Gurmant Grewal was asking constituents to post large bonds to ensure their visitors, needing his assistance to enter the country, complied with the terms of the visa.

"I think (Grewal) said that he was taking $50,000 to $100,000 bonds from people," Volpe said yesterday.

Conservative spokesman Mike Storshaw said Grewal simply asked those seeking his assistance in obtaining a temporary residence visa if they would be willing to post a bond with the government if there was such a legal requirement.