OTTAWA, November 1, 2005 – The Government of Canada announced today that it has added 12 new defendants and $12.9 M to its civil suit to recover funds improperly received through the now cancelled sponsorship program.

As a result, the Government is now claiming a revised total amount of $57M against 28 firms and individuals. This amount does not include the $1.6M that has already been recovered through settlement agreements.

The 12 individuals and companies being added to the claim are:

* Publicité Dézert Inc.
* Eric Lafleur
* Pluridesign Canada Inc.
* Jacques Corriveau
* Andrée Côté Gosselin
* CPPC - Centre de placement de Professionnels en communication Inc.
* Communications Art Tellier Inc.
* Benoît Renaud
* Sensas (G.E.C.M.)
* Everest Estrie Publicité (G.E.C.M.) Inc.
* Everest Commandites (G.E.C.M.) Inc.
* Everest Publicité Promotions (G.E.C.M.) Inc.

"Following an examination of the facts, the Government is satisfied that there was evidence of fraudulently obtained funds by these sub-contractors," said the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "That's why we are adding these names to the claims we have already made against a number of communication agencies and individuals."

The Government is studying the Gomery report and if warranted will further amend its Claim or add additional defendants as a result. It will be for the court to assess the extent of each defendant's liability.

"This amended claim is a direct result of the federal government’s determination to recover misused sponsorship funds," added Minister Brison. "The Government of Canada will continue to demonstrate respect for hard earned tax dollars."