Ethics controversy deepens around PM’s chief of staff over gold giant’s lobbing

OTTAWA – The ethics controversy swirling around Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s chief of staff has deepened with the revelation that Nigel Wright was lobbied three times by Barrick Gold Corp.

Until now, it’s been known only that Wright was contacted twice — on May 14 and 25 — by Barrick, a company with which he has deep personal connections.

Barrick did not report the third call, which came four days later, until Monday — the same day the company was first contacted by The Canadian Press about its earlier discussions with Wright.

The belated disclosure undermines the Harper government’s defence of Wright.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has said Wright merely listened to Barrick’s concerns, said nothing, and was not involved in any decision regarding the company.

Charlie Angus, the New Democrats’ ethics critic, says it’s “borderline ridiculous” to suggest Wright sat in on three conversations if he had nothing to say.