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RackNine sued Martin for comments he made in 2012, shortly after details of an Elections Canada investigation into the robocalls case became public.

Martin and RackNine reached a settlement of the $5 million lawsuit in February. The terms were not disclosed. Martin says he has paid down about half of what was owed but still has a “massive amount” outstanding. Payments to service the loan cost him $2,700 a month, he said.

Earlier this year, Ontario Conservative MP Erin O’Toole complained that donations from unions could create a conflict of interest for Martin when dealing with legislation that affects them. Dawson looked into the complaint but later dismissed it.

Martin says it would be “ludicrous” to think the donations would influence his position on labour issues.

“If anybody thinks I could become more friendly to trade unions, then they don’t know me very well,” Martin said.

“I’m a socialist and trade unionist and former head of the carpenters’ union in Manitoba.”

O’Toole said Monday that he’s more concerned by the perception of a conflict of interest and feels the arrangement could create a new way to fund political activities.

“If this is some new way that money can come into the system, it should apply to everyone,” he said.

“There are several members of my caucus that have lawsuits or litigation. Could they get money from a union or corporation?”

If anybody thinks I could become more friendly to trade unions, then they don’t know me very well

Martin says he consulted with Dawson before he set up the legal defence fund and she said he had gone even further than he needed to, by setting up a trust fund to handle the contributions to his defence.