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On December 22, 2008, Brazeau was named to the [[Senate of Canada]] on the advice of [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Stephen Harper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator_det.asp?senator_id=2805&sortord=N&Language=E&M=M|title=Senators - Detailed Information}}</ref> He was sworn in as a senator on January 8, 2009.
On December 22, 2008, Brazeau was named to the [[Senate of Canada]] on the advice of [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]] [[Stephen Harper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator_det.asp?senator_id=2805&sortord=N&Language=E&M=M|title=Senators - Detailed Information}}</ref> He was sworn in as a senator on January 8, 2009.


On March 31, 2012, Brazeau lost in a celebrity boxing match to Liberal MP [[Justin Trudeau]].<ref>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03/31/justin-trudeau-boxing/ ''Justin Trudeau scores major upset in Fight for the Cure boxing match over Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau'', National Post, March 31, 2012], retrieved 2012-10-03</ref> Brazeau has stated he would like a rematch with Trudeau; both camps have yet to set a date.
On March 31, 2012, Brazeau lost in a celebrity boxing match to Liberal MP and leader[[Justin Trudeau]].<ref>[http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03/31/justin-trudeau-boxing/ ''Justin Trudeau scores major upset in Fight for the Cure boxing match over Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau'', National Post, March 31, 2012], retrieved 2012-10-03</ref> Brazeau has stated he would like a rematch with Trudeau; both camps have yet to set a date.


==Controversy==
==Controversy==

Revision as of 18:43, 27 August 2013

The Hon.
Patrick Brazeau
Senator for Repentigny, Quebec
Assumed office
January 8, 2009
Appointed byDavid Johnston
Preceded byMarisa Ferretti Barth
Personal details
Born (1974-11-11) November 11, 1974 (age 49)
Maniwaki, Quebec
Political partyIndependent Conservative 2013-present
Conservative Party 2009-2013

Patrick Brazeau (born November 11, 1974) is a suspended[1] Canadian senator, who until February 7, 2013, was sitting with the Conservative Party. At the age of 49, he is the youngest current Senator. From February 2006 until January 2009 he held the position of national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. Brazeau was expelled from the Conservative caucus following his February 7, 2013, arrest for domestic assault and sexual assault.[2]

Life and career

Brazeau is an Algonquin from the Kitigan Zibi reserve near Maniwaki. He worked at HMCS Carleton, a Royal Canadian Naval Reserve unit based out of Ottawa that operates under the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. Brazeau earned a DEC in social sciences from CEGEP Heritage College (Gatineau) and has studied, but dropped out of civil law at the University of Ottawa.[3]

Brazeau joined the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) in 2001 and was elected vice-chief in April 2005. He acted as national chief from February 2006 until his election later in November of the same year. He is a member of CAP's affiliate, Alliance Autochtone du Quebec Inc. also known as the Native Alliance of Quebec, or the AAQ or NAQ.[4]

Fluent in both official Canadian languages, English and French, Brazeau's language preference is French.

On December 22, 2008, Brazeau was named to the Senate of Canada on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.[5] He was sworn in as a senator on January 8, 2009.

On March 31, 2012, Brazeau lost in a celebrity boxing match to Liberal MP and leaderJustin Trudeau.[6] Brazeau has stated he would like a rematch with Trudeau; both camps have yet to set a date.

Controversy

Brazeau was criticized for stating his intention to accept a seat in the Senate and concurrently remain national chief of the CAP thus collecting two publicly funded six-figure salaries; a decision from which he subsequently retreated by resigning as CAP chief.[7] He has also come under fire over a sexual harassment complaint made against him to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario[8] and for allegedly condoning heavy drinking during business hours.[9] Brazeau resigned[10] from his position of national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples on January 9, 2009, issuing the following statement[11] on the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples' website:

In December 2008, I was honoured by my nomination to the Senate of Canada by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. Such an appointment is a great privilege and affords me the considerable opportunity to continue my public service to Canada. My goal is and has always been to serve Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and my country to the best of my skills and abilities, in a manner that is accountable, responsible and transparent. I am committed to bringing this same discipline to my role as a Senator in the Parliament of Canada. To this end, I have decided to step down from my position as National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples effective immediately. I am eager to fully embrace my new role and to contribute to the important work of the Senate of Canada. I am committed to continuing my advancement of Aboriginal issues and opportunities across Canada. Further, I relish the opportunity to build upon the achievements of Prime Minister Harper’s government.

In addition, he has faced allegations around the spending of funds received by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples for aboriginal health programs. The Globe and Mail reported on January 19, 2009, that Health Canada auditors rejected almost $260,000 in congress expenses out of a budget of $472,900 allocated to the congress by the ministry, alleging that much of the money had been spent on board meetings where health issues were not discussed.[12] Conservative Party spokesman Kory Teneycke indicated that the alleged misspending occurred before Brazeau became chief of the organization, and that Brazeau took steps to address the problem once he took over the leadership.[13]

Senate attendance record

On June 26, 2012, Brazeau came under fire after attacking Canadian Press journalist Jennifer Ditchburn via his official Twitter account. Brazeau publicly called Ditchburn a "bitch" after she reported on his poor Senate attendance record.[14] Brazeau did in fact have poor attendance on the Senate floor: the Senate attendance register showed that he was absent for 25% of the Senate's 72 sittings between June 2011 and April 2012. He was also absent for 31% of the meetings of the human rights committee, where he is deputy-chair, and for 65% of meetings at the Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, on which he sits.

Residency controversy

Main article: Canadian Senate expenses scandal

Without the knowledge of his ex-wife's father, Brazeau used Daryl Tenasco's address at Kitigan Zibi, Quebec for the purpose obtaining an aboriginal income tax exemption from 2004 to 2008. Kitigan Zibi Chief Gilbert Whiteduck said: “Normally you have income tax exemption when you live on a reserve and you are employed by a reserve.” Neighbours said it did not appear that Brazeau lived in the community. According to Jean Guy Whiteduck “I’ve never seen him, it’s right across from my place. I’ve never seen him there. He may have visited. That’s about it."[15]

On February 28, 2013, the Senate committee of internal economy announced that Brazeau, along with fellow senators Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy, and Mac Harb, would be subject to a forensic audit to determine appropriateness of their expense claims.[16]

Deloitte auditors conducted an independent audit and came to the conclusion that Brazeau had fraudulently collected tens of thousands of dollars in living and travel expenses, and the Senate's internal economy committee subsequently ordered him to return a minimum of $51,482 in expense money.[17] "Liberal Senator Mac Harb and Independent Senator Patrick Brazeau must immediately repay inappropriately claimed expenses or the Senate will seize the funds," said Marjory LeBreton, the Leader of the Government in the Senate. A spokeswoman from LeBreton's office said Brazeau's pay may be withheld as a means of recovering the funds.[17] Brazeau challenged the internal economy committee's order.[17]

On August 1, 2013, in an affidavit filed in an Ottawa court, the RCMP alleged that Brazeau inappropriately claimed his father’s home in Maniwaki as his primary residence in order to claim a $22,000 a year taxpayer funded housing allowance. The affidavit said that Brazeau actually resided in a rented home in Gatineau while claiming the housing allowance for living in Maniwaki.[18] The RCMP investigation revealed that Brazeau was being investigated for breach of trust.[19]

Chief Theresa Spence

Brazeau received criticism for mocking Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence at a Conservative fundraiser in an Ottawa suburb in January of 2013. In an audio recording from the event provided to CTV News by Metroland Media, Brazeau is heard stating publicly "Oh, poor Theresa Spence. Oh, poor her," in regards to the six-week long liquid diet the aboriginal leader had recently ended. Spence was requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General of Canada David Johnston to discuss aboriginal treaty rights and socioeconomic issues. Brazeau was also critical of the Idle No More movement, saying that he felt many Canadian aboriginals simply expected to be supported by taxpayers. The recording also revealed Brazeau stating "To sit back, wait for the government to give me handouts. Maybe be on welfare, maybe drink, maybe take up drugs", in regards to aboriginal Canadians. He later added "The best way to get our land back is to buy it back. Just like every other Canadian."[2] Brazeau also insinuated in the recording that Spence had actually gained weight during her "so-called hunger strike".[20]

Arrest for assault and sexual assault

On February 7, 2013, Brazeau was arrested for an incident relating to domestic violence against his spouse.[21] He was subsequently charged with assault and sexual assault in Gatineau court house the next day. After a short court appearance Brazeau was released on $1000 bail on the condition he not go within 150 metres of the victim's work or home.[22] A court document filed by police alleges that after an argument about aboriginal issues the previous night the dispute continued the next morning. Brazeau hit and pushed the woman, touched her in a sexually suggestive way tearing her bra, sweater and pants. He further grabbed her throat and arm and pushed her down the stairs as she attempted to leave the house.[23] Government Senate Leader Marjory LeBreton later announced that, pending a resolution to Brazeau's legal situation, the Senator will be removed from the Conservative caucus and barred from taking his seat, although the Senator will still be paid his full salary.[24]

References

  1. ^ Senator Patrick Brazeau to be forced on leave after charges http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/02/08/pol-patrick-brazeau-senate-arrest.html
  2. ^ a b CBC News (February 8, 2013). "Patrick Brazeau facing domestic, sexual assault charges". CBC.ca. Retrieved February 8, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Wayne K. Spear, "Brazeau's latest outburst shines a harsh light on the Senate". National Post, June 27, 2012.
  4. ^ http://www.abo-peoples.org/affiliates/aaq.html
  5. ^ "Senators - Detailed Information".
  6. ^ Justin Trudeau scores major upset in Fight for the Cure boxing match over Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau, National Post, March 31, 2012, retrieved 2012-10-03
  7. ^ "Native leader steps down to focus on Senate". CBC News. January 9, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-13. [dead link]
  8. ^ Curry, Bill (January 6, 2009). "New Tory senator faces harassment complaint". The Globe and Mail.
  9. ^ "Controversial new senator quits aboriginal leadership job". CBC News. January 9, 2009.
  10. ^ "Brazeau picks Senate over aboriginal advocacy". Globe & Mail - Bill Curry. January 10, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  11. ^ "Statement by Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief Patrick Brazeau on his Appointment to the Senate of Canada, January 9, 2008". Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. January 9, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-13. [dead link]
  12. ^ Bill Curry, "Aboriginal group led by Brazeau must return funding", The Globe and Mail, January 19, 2009.
  13. ^ Bill Curry, "PM stands by Brazeau as choice for Senate", The Globe and Mail, January 20, 2009.
  14. ^ http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/06/26/senator-patrick-brazeau-calls-journalist-a-bitch-after-she-reports-his-poor-attendance-record/
  15. ^ CTVNews.ca Staff (2013 [last update]). "Brazeau used father-in-law's address to get tax exemption | CTV News". ctvnews.ca. Retrieved February 7, 2013. Kitigan Zibi Chief {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  16. ^ Payton, Laura (2013 [last update]). "4 senators subject to further spending audit as probe wraps - Politics - CBC News". cbc.ca. Retrieved February 28, 2013. Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy, Mac Harb and Patrick Brazeau {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  17. ^ a b c BILL CURRY and KIM MACKRAEL (May 14, 2013). "Senator Patrick Brazeau fights order to repay thousands in expenses". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved July 7, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Radia, Andy (August 1, 2013). "RCMP alleges Senator Patrick Brazeau committed breach of trust over housing claims". Yahoo!. Retrieved August 2, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Fife, Robert (August 1, 2013). "Brazeau 'never lived' in Maniwaki; expense claims constitute breach of trust: RCMP docs". CTV News. Retrieved August 2, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Hunt, Nevil (January 30, 2013). "Conservative MP and senator belittle Chief Theresa Spence, Idle No More movement". The Toronto Star. Retrieved February 8,2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Senator Brazeau gets 'paid' holiday but no more little 'extras' http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/Blog-Article/b/23677/Senator-Brazeau-gets-paid-holiday
  22. ^ iPolitics (2013 [last update]). "Brazeau faces assault, sexual assault charges". ipolitics.ca. Retrieved February 8, 2013. Gatineau court house {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  23. ^ Lindell, Rebecca (2013 [last update]). "Global Toronto | Court documents detail allegations against Sen. Patrick Brazeau". globaltoronto.com. Retrieved February 27, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  24. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2013/02/brazeau-to-be-barred-from-chamber-but-will-still-collect-senate-salary.html

External links

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