There's just no talking to Jim Flaherty (for outsiders)

By: John Stewart, mississauganews.com
Photo by: Bitpicture

September 18, 2008 08:14 AM - Canada's high-profile federal finance minister is coming to Mississauga South in the heat of an election campaign for a private fundraising function that will be held tonight.

Jim Flaherty is the guest of honour tonight at a fundraising reception at Port Credit's Waterside Inn for Mississauga South Conservative candidate Hugh Arrison. Guests are paying $250 ($100 for students) to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and light refreshments and for the chance to meet the minister. The event runs from 7:30-9 p.m.

"People have told us they don't want cameras and the media there and we have to listen to the people coming to the event," said Dave Brown, Arrison's campaign manager. If the campaign organizers had their way, the reception would likely be open to the media, Brown added. It was scheduled before the federal election was called.

The campaign manager indicated many riding association members are adamant that the focus should be on those who paid to attend the event.

Brown was not sure yesterday whether there would even be a photo opportunity for the local press.

Flaherty's appearance has special interest in Mississauga because he and Mayor Hazel McCallion have engaged in a running verbal battle over McCallion's insistence that the federal government has failed to provide needed funding for cities in general, and municipal infrastructure in particular.

jstewart@mississauga.net

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