Van Loan uses 'complex mathematical formula' to decide if aid coming to Ontario tornado victims

Federal Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan says it's not a political decision that decides if an area like Vaughan, Ontario, hit by a tornado last Thursday will receive federal disaster assistance, it will be done using a "complex mathematical formula."

Really, I am sure the good people of Vaughan, where an estimated 600 homes were damaged in the tornado were reasured to learn that the Harper Conservatives would apply its complex math formula and give them the news at some time as to whether or not they were eligible for federal assistance in the future as they surveyed the damage in their community.

What in the world was Van Loan, the member for York Simcoe, and the former "Question Period cheap shot specialist" according to columnist Don Martin, doing there if politics is not involved. Van Loan, when he was Government House Leader was one of the most partisan political members in the House of Commons, as he spoke out on Harper's behalf.

In fact in its January 24, 2008 edition, Maclean's magazine referred to Van Loan as one of the "Harper 12" meaning he was one of the 12 most influential people in Ottawa.

One would think that given Van Loan's stature in the government of the day, the complex mathematical formula might work in favour of the people in southern Ontario who suffered loss from the tornado.