Ontario Liberals reverse course, say they will ban MPPs from fundraisers

Ontario Liberals now say they want to ban all membersof provincial parliament from fundraising events, after enduring monthsof criticism over so-called cash-for-access fundraisers.

The Liberals dropped what the opposition parties are calling abombshell in the middle of a committee considering amendments to anelection finance reform bill.

The government introduced the legislation amid allegations theywere selling access to cabinet ministers at high-priced dinners andreceptions, though they denied that attendees at those functionsinfluenced government decisions.

• Opposition parties push for ban on cash-for-accessfundraisers
• KathleenWynnecancels all privatefundraisers, tells ministers to do the same

As recently as last week, the Liberals had said they weren't keenon banning cash-for-access fundraisers through legislation, sayingit could prohibit every MPP from fundraising and that would be toorestrictive.

But that is now exactly what the Liberals are proposing, as laidout in a statement from Attorney General Yasir Naqvi.

Progressive Conservative Randy Hillier called the statement a"despicable" stunt that makes a "total mockery" of the process.