Paradis admits he talked about contracts at event

Christian Paradis now says he recalls discussing the procedure for awarding contracts with a construction contractor at a Tory fundraiser.

The natural resources minister's recent statement contradicts his claim last week that he did not talk about government business at the event attended by several big construction company owners.

Paradis now says contractor Joseph Brocconlini pigeon-holed him, complaining about the way government contracts were awarded.

Broccolini's firm has received more than $650 million in government contracts since the fundraiser was held in 2009.

He donated $500 at the event.

But a spokesman for Paradis denies the conversation had anything to do with those contracts.

The Opposition parties suggest the Tories took kickbacks in return for handing out contracts and are calling on Paradis to resign.

Paradis' turnaround comes as the RCMP probes a $9-millionParliament Hill renovation contract awarded to a company owned by the man who organized the fundraiser.