[ISL] "Harper defends Duffy's appointment as Senator from P.E.I."

[rfmcdonald]

Following a widely-tweeted question, Teresa Wright of the Charlottetown Guardian had Stephen Harper clarify why Duffy was offered a position as senator from Prince Edward Island. Contradictions abound.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is defending his decision to appoint Mike Duffy as a senator for Prince Edward Island, saying it was legitimate not just because he owned property, but also because he had a residence on the Island.

This marks a change, however, to Harper’s previous stance on the issue, according to evidence entered into court in Duffy’ ongoing criminal trial, where he faces 31 charges including bribery and fraud.

During a campaign stop in P.E.I. Thursday, The Guardian questioned Harper on why he appointed Duffy to represent P.E.I. in the first place, since Islanders knew Duffy was not a resident of the province.

Harper responded that having a “residence” in the province made him eligible.

“We only appoint a person to the Senate when they have a residence - not just property - but a residence in the province in which they are representing, and that fit that case as it fits every single case of a senator that we have named.” Harper said.