I Might Be Wrong

It seems Harper did acknowledge knowing of Bruce Carson's earliest criminal transgressions.  That much is apparent from a G&M article from March 24th.  What remains unknown is how or why Harper wasn't aware of the subsequent three fraud convictions or Carson's near constant debt problems.

Federal rules require everyone working for the PMO to have a category 2 security clearance.   How did Bruce Carson get a security clearance at all? 

In 1993 Carson first filed for bankruptcy owing just over $100,000.  Seven years later he was in trouble again, this time filing a proposal under the Bankruptcy Act.  People with chronic debt problems usually don't get security clearances because of the risk they might take advantage of confidential information that falls into their hands.

When Carson landed in Harper's office in 2006 he had fallen into default of his payment promises under the proposal.   The Trustee was notifying creditors that it was open to them to have the proposal set aside and Carson thrown into full bankruptcy - again.   2007 saw Carson get yet another chance and a restructured deal which, with his apparently generous PMO salary, allowed him to pay out his proposal in 2009.

Now I'm just guessing here but I think people with five fraud convictions over the course of a decade probably aren't prime candidates for top level security clearances either.   Fraud sort of suggests they're not entirely honest.   Five convictions for fraud and theft should clear up any lingering doubts.

This stuff is on the guy's criminal record.   The Superintendent of Bankrutpcy likewise keeps a register.

Something stinks.   Harper needs to explain how a guy with Carson's record managed to get the mandatory security clearance needed to work in the PMO.  Was there a security clearance at all?  Did Steve break the law by hiring Carson on without a clearance?

Harper still has a lot of explaining to do.  Was security in the PMO compromised and, if so, by whom?   Does Harper not bother to check out the very people he hires as his close advisors?  Did the RCMP do their job?  Did they give Carson a clean bill of health?  Did they report all five convictions to the PMO and the bankruptcy problems including the ongoing one?  Is Harper really this out of touch with his own office and key personnel?