Harper unaware of facts in Carson scandal

Stephen Harper says he still doesn't know all the facts about the scandal that has erupted around his former top adviser, Bruce Carson.

But the prime minister said Saturday anyone who breaks the "strong rules" his government created on lobbying would face the full consequences of the law.

Harper was making his first comments about Carson since his office called in the RCMP to examine allegations raised in an investigation by the Aboriginal People's Television Network.

"I think the truth is: we don't know all the facts," Harper told reporters in Paris after attending an emergency international summit on the crisis in Libya.

"I have brought in very strong rules in terms of how employees can conduct themselves with the government after they leave employment," the prime minister added.

"Those rules are clear, we passed them, and they will be enforced. And if there has been any violation in this or any other case, the individual will face the full consequences of the law."

Carson met officials 4 times in late 2010

The allegations centre on how Carson used his connections to meet with federal decision makers in order to discuss a project involving a company linked to his 22-year-old girlfriend.

According to APTN, Michele McPherson signed a contract last Aug. 31 that would entitle her to 20 per cent of the project's gross sales in a venture Carson was pushing.

APTN also reported Thursday that McPherson worked as an Ottawa escort who went by the name Leanna VIP.

Carson met with senior political staff in the office of Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan to discuss a First Nations water filtration program and a company called H20 Pros, officials in Duncan's office said.

The Canadian Press has also learned Carson met officials from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs four times between September and December 2010.

Carson has indicated he would not comment further while the RCMP was investigating.

"Mr. Carson is now a private citizen and his actions relate to his activities as a private citizen," Harper said Saturday.