I am just flabbergasted. I know the Dingwall severance issue is being watched by many, but for the Privy Council Office to release the statement on a Saturday is just astounding, let alone on a Saturday amid such huge distractions. Let me explain…
1) it was released two days before the new Privy Council is sworn in
2) it was released when the Muslim caricature violence is the highlight of every news agency. (nice distraction huh?)
3) it was released one day before the Superbowl (even nicer distraction huh?)
4) it was released on a Saturday. When was the last time you saw government work done on a Saturday?
5) it was released when political buzzers are focusing their antennae on Harper’s Cabinet.
But worst of all,
6) it was for a whopping $417,780! (subject to Revenue Canada, or course)
This is officially screwed up.
| Settlement between the Government of Canada and the Former Master of the Royal Canadian Mint
OTTAWA, February 4, 2006 – The Government of Canada today announced that, following binding arbitration, it has paid a compensation package to Mr. David Dingwall, former Master of the Royal Canadian Mint. The Government stated in October that it would pay Mr. Dingwall only that which is legally owed him. Since that amount could not be agreed to during negotiations, the Government agreed to submit the question of its legal obligations to an independent third party, in the interests of saving the time and money that legal proceedings could have entailed. The issue was placed before a highly respected independent arbitrator for determination. The Honourable George Adams was asked by both parties to rule on the following questions: 1. Was Mr. Dingwall’s resignation voluntary or involuntary, having regard to all of the circumstances? Mr. Adams has concluded that Mr. Dingwall’s departure was involuntary and the Government has a legal obligation to pay him $417,780, as well as associated pension benefits. The binding award of the arbitrator has the force of a court order, and the Government has respected the decision. This amount is subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act. For information: |