Those are going to be very short.
First of all, I want to say that I am disappointed with the situation. Now we're dealing with an officer who says he was respectful and with a member of Parliament who is made to look as if he lied. I find this unfortunate, because you are never going to know the truth, finally.
I want to say for the record that as the member for Acadie—Bathurst for the past 17 years, I have enjoyed the respect of all my fellow citizens. I did not have a career in politics by telling lies and by inventing situations that did not happen. I want my comments to be recorded, because my reputation is at stake, which is worse than an issue crossing Bank Street. I find it very unfortunate that it has come to this.
I know my privileges. I know the privileges members have. I know how things are supposed to work. When I put my question in the House of Commons, all of my colleagues supported me regarding this situation. Today, I find it sad that there are two different versions of events, on the video and on what happened between the officer and me.
I have a lot of respect for the RCMP. I have a lot of respect for the municipal police and for our authorities. I did not get into politics because I had no respect for all of that. My work is to make legislation with my colleagues and to vote on legislation. And so I want my comments to be recorded. I find this part sad.
Moreover, as I said, I am challenging this. A conversation took place. Two evenings later, there were other votes in the House of Commons and as the Prime Minister was leaving, an RCMP officer with whom I was speaking told me that I should not go on. I could accept that because I did not want to get hit by a car.
That is why I am telling you sincerely that when I look at the video—and compare it to how things happened—it looks as though, while speaking to the officer, I wanted to leap in front of the car that was going by in front of me. And yet, I have no desire to commit suicide!
It is really unfortunate that things have taken this turn. That is why I am challenging the video. Something happened, otherwise we would not all be here today.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.