The Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Métis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity. Madison Fleischer says in a written statement that she self-identifies as Métis based on what she knows about her great-grandmother’s heritage and is “collecting the necessary documentation to go through the application process” for citizenship with B.C.’s Métis Nation. In the meantime, Fleischer, who is the candidate in the Dec. 16 byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City, says she has removed “Métis” from her social media profile descriptions to ensure there is “no confusion” about her Indigenous status. Her response comes after the Waceya Métis Society — which describes itself as a chartered community representing Métis people in the Langley and White Rock regions of B.C.’s Lower Mainland — said in a release that it “wishes to distance itself from Madison’s claims of Métis identity.” The society says it met with Fleischer over the weekend to discuss her claims of Métis identity but was “disappointed that she could not provide any evidence to support her Métis heritage.” The attention on Fleischer comes after Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault left cabinet last week amid questions about his shifting claims of Indigenous heritage and his business dealings. In her statement, Fleischer says she has “always been vocal about not yet holding Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship.” The Waceya Métis Society says it has asked Fleischer to “properly research and verify her Indigenous heritage before making any further public assertions.” “In this meeting, Madison was unable to substantiate her claims with any documentation or historical connections to Métis communities,” the society says about their Nov. 23 meeting with Fleischer. “The integrity of Métis identity is not to be taken lightly, especially in public office, where the representation of our community must be accurate, respectful, and legitimate.” Cloverdale-Langley City was previously held by Liberal John Aldag, who resigned to run for MLA with the B.C. New Democrats. Aldag was defeated by B.C. Conservative candidate Harman Bhangu in the Langley-Abbotsford seat in the Oct. 19 provincial election. Fleischer, whose Liberal party biography calls her a small-business owner who operates a public relations firm in Langley, is going up against candidates including federal Conservative Tamara Jansen, who held the seat from 2019 to 2021 before losing a close race to Aldag. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press
President-elect Trump has named wealthy New Jersey real estate developer Charles Kushner as the next ambassador to France. Trump took to his Truth Social network to announce the appointment of his son-in-law’s dad. The Kushner Companies founder “is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker,” Trump wrote, adding he “will be a strong advocate representing our Country and its interests.” “Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, and 14 grandchildren, Trump continued. “His son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House, in particular on Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, and the Abraham Accords,” Trump wrote. “Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, and one of our greatest!” Kushner, 70, whom Trump knew from industry circles, was convicted in 2005 of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering as part of a salacious family scandal. In 2020, Kushner was among 26 people granted full pardons by Trump. His son Jared married Trump’s daughter Ivanka in 2009. In a 2004 plea agreement, Kushner admitted to hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, filming the tryst and sending the tape to his sister. The case, which was prosecuted by then-US attorney Chris Christie , resulted in Kushner serving two years behind bars.None
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Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceTrump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceProsecutors in Santa Clara County have charged six former Apple employees for allegedly exploiting the tech giant's gift-matching program for charitable donations. According to the District Attorney's Office, the workers were charged with multiple felonies, including grand theft, conspiracy to commit felony grand theft, perjury and tax fraud in connection with the scheme, which took place between 2018 and 2021. The employees also face an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement due to the sums involved. The suspects have been identified as 37-year-old Siu Kei (Alex) Kwan of Castro Valley, 34-year-old Yathei (Hayson) Yuen of San Jose, 35-year-old Yat C (Sunny) Ng of Milpitas, 38-year-old Wentao (Victor) Li of Hayward, 39-year-old Lichao Ni of Sunnyvale, and 31-year-old Zheng Chang of Union City. "This case underscores our unwavering commitment to rigorously prosecuting individuals who defraud the tech community and misuse vital charitable programs and state resources," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement . "We commend Apple for coming forward and actively collaborating with our Office to uncover this elaborate fraud." According to prosecutors, Kwan was the alleged ringleader of the operation, directing the other five suspects to donate to two charities: the "American Chinese International Cultural Exchange (ACICE)" and "Hop4Kids." Kwan was the CEO of Hop4Kids and the accountant for ACICE. Prosecutors said the employees would make donations through a third-party platform called Benevity. Apple would provide a 100% or 200% match and Benevity would disperse the funds to the charities. Kwan allegedly reimbursed the employees and kept the matching funds for himself. He also allegedly prepared fraudulent tax returns. The employees are also accused of falsely claiming the donations as tax deductions. Prosecutors said the suspects extracted about $152,000 from Apple's gift-matching program and overreported around $100,000 in charitable contributions as tax deductions in their returns. According to Rosen's office, arrest warrants have been issued for all six suspects. Arraignment dates have not been set. If convicted, the suspects face possible jail time and could be forced to pay restitution, fines and fees.