Conservative MP John Brassard says asking companies to top up staff salaries is akin to letting them buy approvals for their development projects.

Conservatives slammed the Carney government’s Major Projects Office for its approach to private-sector recruitment, calling it an ethical affront that allows corporate insiders a chance to buy favourable decisions by Ottawa.

Public-sector unions also called the MPO’s recruitment drive on Bay Street a slap in the face at a time of job cuts.

Their criticisms Thursday followed a Globe and Mail story about the MPO’s efforts to poach junior and mid-career employees on Bay Street and at large corporations.

Six sources told The Globe the staffing requests sometimes come across as directives, and the MPO has asked private-sector sponsors to co

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