Evidence of meeting #34 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sauvé.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:35 a.m.
As an Individual
Yes, I understand your question.
I have assembled the entire press file from the very start. At that point, my lawyers will see whether there are grounds to institute proceedings and the ones we will institute, if we institute any. However, I haven't made a decision at this time.
9:35 a.m.
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
On another point, again on a point that has been in some contrast to what has been reported, we have sought to verify if you've been a member of the Conservative Party, as it has been reported. We have had extensive, extensive research done that has gone back to even before the creation of the Conservative Party, to the Progressive Conservative Party, to at least 2003. We can confirm that our records indicate that you have never been a member--since at least 2003--of the Conservative Party. Does that sound correct?
9:35 a.m.
As an Individual
That's possible. I don't remember the last time I had a membership card with the Conservative Party. I belong to no political party, either in Quebec or in Ottawa.
9:35 a.m.
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
Well, I appreciate that, because it has been reported differently, and I think our committee launched into many of these hearings based on media articles that came out: different news reports, either on television or in the newspapers, that have reported these different inconsistencies, at least, or untruths, I guess, as you've described them.
So I guess it's important for our committee to determine where we're going to head from here, but clearly we're on a fishing expedition in a place where there are no fish.
I think it's important that we give you an opportunity simply to clarify one last thing and that is with regard to your convictions in the 1970s. I understand that you've indicated that you don't remember what they were. I think if it were anybody around this table, we'd probably remember the circumstances that were related to them. I'm not sure they have any bearing on this hearing, but I think it's—
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Mr. Warkentin, unfortunately you've left the witness with no time to respond to your question.
9:40 a.m.
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
I'm sure somebody else will follow up on it. Thank you.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Mr. Varin, the Montreal Gazette says that in 1983 you were not a registered lobbyist, but you approached several cabinet ministers to help secure a bailout for the charter airline Nationair, and that the reason you weren't prosecuted was that the Mounties took action too late, that it had passed the statute of limitations, I guess.
Is that accurate? Do you dispute that?
November 2nd, 2010 / 9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
With regard to the Nationair file—I vaguely remember that—that was about a strike during which Mr. Obadia consulted me at the outset on labour relations. I also remember speaking to I don't know whom, but to someone at Mr. Corbeil's office at the time so that he could meet Mr. Obadia and attempt to resolve the dispute because that company was headed toward bankruptcy, and that's ultimately what happened.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
So you spoke to someone at the office of a Conservative minister, but you say you aren't a lobbyist and that you didn't engage in lobbying—
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
...that you never engaged in lobbying.
You've already told us today that you never engaged in lobbying, but here's proof of the contrary.
9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
At the time, I never considered that as lobbying, on the one hand. On the other hand, I was never sworn, and I never received a notice from the lobbying commissioner or anybody chastising me or criticizing me in that respect.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Did you take part in organizing the cocktail fundraiser of January 2009—
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
—that we've previously talked about? No.
Who is Gilles Prud'Homme?
9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
Gilles Prud'Homme was or is... I didn't know him. I met him two or three times. He was president of the Bourassa Conservative Party association.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
So you're well aware who the various individuals are who occupy key positions in the Conservative Party in Quebec. That's obvious.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
But your first connection, your first link has always been with the Conservative Party.
9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
Not necessarily. I've always had good relations with all those who were there.
9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
Oh, I understand. I'm a supporter... I'm a Progressive-Conservative.
9:40 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Thank you very much.
In you opinion, why did Paul Sauvé organize that cocktail party you referred to?
9:40 a.m.
As an Individual
Why did he organize the cocktail party? I don't know. You'll have to ask him. I don't know.