Fantino gets high-profile help from Harper in Vaughan
Posted October 15, 2010 1:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VAUGHAN, Ont. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the 905-area Friday to give Julian Fantino a political boost.
Fantino is running for the Conservatives in an upcoming Vaughan by-election. The date for the byelection has not yet been set.
Harper said he is proud to have the former lawman on his side.
“He’s, as you know, a highly-respected figure throughout the GTA and throughout Ontario,” Harper told reporters at the news conference.
But, Harper would not speculate about Fantino’s role with his government.
“Before we speculate on his future, we will first let the voters of Vaughan make their decision, and we’ll take things from there,” he said.
Fantino said there’s nothing wrong with Harper being there to help prop up his campaign.
“The decision’s been made to be part of his team, and I’m proud and pleased to be here today, and stand shoulder-to shoulder with him,” Fantino said.
Harper and Fantino toured SolGate Inc., a solar panel assembly plant, where the Prime Minister announced a $190-million program for businesses in southern Ontario.
The Investing in Business Innovation Program will allow small startups to apply for up to $1-million in repayable funding.
“They need funds for research, development, engineering, testing, market studies and many other activities — activities that must be done before the product reaches the consumer, before the first dollar of sales revenue comes in,” Harper said.
The Prime Minister’s Office insisted the press conference was about showcasing a successful and innovative small business, and not about boosting support for Fantino.
