Long-time staffer in Rob Anders’ constituency office, James Isvantffy, has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit at the Calgary QB against the controversial Calgary MP, according to a report in the G&M this morning. Istvanffy and Anders go back a long way and are former schoolmates.

Isvantffy claims to have been fired by Anders in October 2004 (yes, I had to do a double take on the date too) after having noticed irregularities in office finances and having suggested to his boss-friend to get some budgeting counseling. That doesn’t sound like a reason to fire someone. There has to be more to it –and there is. Isvantffy also alleges to have loaned undisclosed sums of money to Mr. Anders, who then repaid the debt by providing office salary increases, accepting false travel statements and with office furniture from the constituency (parliamentary?) office. In essence, the side legal issue that is soon to become a central political issue is an allegation of fraud.

Anders is expected to file a defense claim in the next couple of days.

The fraud allegations, in light of the residual political climate of the Gomery Inquiry regarding corruption of public officials, are bad enough (The accusations are being published on the same day that newspapers are reporting on the guilty verdict at the Chuck Guite AdScam trial).

If the claim is correct from the point of view of the claimant, what is very significant is that the monies were repaid by the MP and accepted by the claimant by defrauding the tax payer. If indeed there has been fraud committed as alleged, the accusing and the accused parties both were essentially engaged in a conspiracy to do so. The allegations are an effective admission by the claimant of seemingly willing participation in the scam. If the allegations are found to be true, both parties could end up in prison. One has to wonder about the self-incriminating accusations.

The allegations come at a time when the Conservative Party is about to engage in candidate nomination proceedings. Even if proven unsubstantiated, the allegations will damage the image and credibility of Mr. Anders going into the nomination process, and help others make an assault against him in the riding more likely to succeed.

In the last two elections, more than a few people have been gunning for Anders. Party and non-party members have unsuccessfully orchestrated campaigns against Anders.