Calgary porch pirate MP Spurious George is now under investigation for CERB fraud after allegedly telling residents in his Calgary Skyview riding how to cheat the system..Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough confirmed George Chahal was being investigated after a caller to a Calgary radio station said the MP told him how to cheat the CERB system..“Imagine a member of the Liberal caucus being accused of directing his constituents on how to fraudulently claim the CERB,” Conservative Barrie-Innisfal MP John Brassard told the Commons..“According to a caller on a Calgary radio talk show the day after the election, this member had encouraged numerous people to claim CERB when they didn’t qualify by splitting self-employment income with family members. In fact, in one area of this member’s riding, seven in 10 residents over 15, received the CERB, one of the highest concentrations in Canada..“If this is true how seriously will the prime minister take claims of advising people to commit fraud against one of his MPs.”.Qualtrough said the government has “zero tolerance” for fraud and confirmed an investigation will be held..Brassard continued: “The caller also stated that for the savvy advice ‘I gave the member of Calgary Skyview my vote and he was telling everyone to do that. Asked by the host what he would do if the CRA came knocking he said ‘well I’m sending them straight to his office because it was all his idea and everybody in Skyview did it.'”.CERB was set up to help Canadians through the pandemic by providing them with $2,000 a month..Meanwhile, Chahal is still under investigation for mail theft by Elections Canada, and could face a fine of $5,000 or spend up to six months in jail..He came under fire when a doorbell cam caught Chahal removing an opponent’s election literature from a mailbox ahead of the September 20 election..Chahal, in a jersey with his name clearly visible on the back, was easily identified in the video..A complaint was filed on September 23 and an investigation was launched..Months later, Chahal’s name and his involvement in the incident was brought up in question period in the House of Commons this week by Brassard..“The member is facing a $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail during an investigation that is continuing from the Commissioner of Canada Elections,” said Brassard..“Even with the low bar on ethics and conduct set by the Liberals and indeed the prime minister over the last six years, does the prime minister think this type of action from a member of his caucus is acceptable?”.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in defence of Chahal, said, “The member has apologized and is fully cooperating with Elections Canada as it goes through its processes.”
