A Postmedia News analysis reveals that 35 of the 141 candidates who lost at the polls received jobs in places such as the Prime Minister’s Office, Health Canada, ministers’ offices or on boards and agencies such as the Quebec Port Authority. In fact, Quebec candidates made up three-quarters of those who received federal jobs.
Four candidates were appointed to the Senate, two to overseas diplomatic positions in France, 14 to agencies or boards and 14 became political staff to ministers and MPs. Some left their previous political staff positions to run in the election, and then were rehired after losing their bid for public office. Two people hired to serve in ministers’ offices have subsequently left their positions.
The analysis found that of the 63 defeated candidates in Quebec, where the Tories won only five of 75 seats, 26 received appointments or political jobs, or about 40 per cent of all the defeated Quebec candidates.
Outside of political staff, appointments to boards, agencies and the Senate are approved by cabinet.
The practice of appointing or hiring party faithful is a staple in Canadian politics. During his days as an opposition MP, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was critical of political appointments made by former prime ministers Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien.
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