The Royal Bank is probably relieved that their former CEO, John McCallum, wasn’t their corporate attorney. McCallum is Canada’s Revenue Minister and on behalf of Paul Martin, McCallum is misleading Canadians on common law and labor standards. Intentionally or not, McCallum is lying to Canadians. And Paul Martin is letting him.

David Dingwall recently resigned as head of the Canadian Mint. His reasons for resigning include incurring over $700,000 in ethically questionable (but nonetheless legal according to Liberal executive code) expenses. Instead of embarrassing the Liberal Party further, he resigned.

In executive labor agreements, it is appropriate for various clauses to be included on compensation, benefits, vacation, bonus structures, and severance pay. These are based on mutual agreement by employee and employer. They are very common.

In David Dingwall’s case, however, he was appointed by Jean Chretien with no severance pay included in the agreement. Contrary to what John McCallum has stated, there is no legal, ethical, or moral obligation for the Canadian Government (taxpayers) to fund any severance for Dingwall.

This would not have been the case if Dingwall was terminated. But Dingwall wasn’t fired, he voluntarily left.

McCallum said that he is considering a severance for Dingwall “to avoid a costly lawsuit”. That is an outright lie. Dingwall doesn’t have a case. The Government could send their newest paralegal to court and easily win.

What was the Liberal Government trying to make Dingwall do that made him leave?

D’Arcy Barker is a Chartered Financial Planner and Registered Employee Benefits Consultant- www.barkermoney.com

E-mail: ReduceYourTaxes@barkermoney.com