Blondin-Andrew turns down gift
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 11/00) - If only she wasn't a politician.
Liberal MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew couldn't believe her eyes on election night when she was presented with a brand-spanking new $25,000, 2000 silver Ford Mustang out on the parking lot of the Explorer Hotel.
"I couldn't accept it," said Blondin-Andrew who contacted the Government of Canada Ethic's Commissioner to get an answer she already knew.
"According to the commissioner, I couldn't accept the gift," said Blondin-Andrew.
She didn't disclose the particulars of the commissioner's response because of privacy matters.
Art Sorensen, spokesperson for a group called "Friends of Ethel Blondin-Andrew", was the man behind the car.
"I guaranteed the car," said Sorensen, who hadn't purchased it at that point and was in the process of gathering funds.
"I was going to buy it later with the help of some people," said Sorensen.
He said he didn't do it for political reasons, mearly as a symbol of appreciation.
"I did it as a private citizen for all the good things she has done for the North," said Sorensen.
"I'm a nice guy," he added.
Blondin-Andrew has a soft spot for Ford Mustangs.
"I used to own a red Mustang," said Blondin-Andrew, "it's my favourite car, but it's all over and done with."
She hasn't ruled out buying a Mustang in the future.
"Maybe I'll get a red one (Mustang), or an F1-50 to haul ski-doos, and hunting equipment up here," she said.
Currently Blondin-Andrew doesn't own a car but drives rentals.
