On conflicts of interest

Following up on this morning's post, let's note that the Cons' choice of messengers sent out to deliver their position that Canadians should pay no attention to the ideology behind their war against the public sector may also be of interest. While Geoff Norquay was identified by CanWest only as a "Conservative strategist", he also holds a couple of other roles which deserve to be pointed out:

Top Conservative lobbyists Geoff Norquay, of Earnscliffe Strategy Group, and Ken Boessenkool, of Hill and Knowlton, are volunteering for Imagine Canada as it targets political parties for help for the charitable and non-profit sector.

Mr. Norquay, who meets with Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Calgary Southwest, Alta.) frequently, is going to go to bat for Imagine Canada on its platform, and with Mr. Boessenkool, and intends to meet with Mr. Harper to discuss the issue.

That's right: the same person sent out to speak on behalf of the Cons is also currently engaged in lobbying them. And it might be noted that Norquay's effort to divert money into the non-profit sector fits nicely with the Cons' theme of undercutting public institutions.