The RCMP have charged Bruce Carson, a former aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with influence peddling – or fraud on the government.
The 66-year-old Carson is “alleged to have accepted a commission for a third party in connection with a business matter relating to the government,” according to a press release from the RCMP’s “A” division.
The charge comes following an investigation that began in March 2011 after a referral from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The investigation concerned allegations of illegal lobbying of the government in 2010 for a water filtration contract.
Carson is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Sept. 10.