Evidence of meeting #98 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was fergus.
A video is available from Parliament.
10:10 a.m.
Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
Well, you did refer to the Liberal Party as “our party”. I would submit, Mr. Fergus, with the greatest respect, that the fact that you didn't see an issue with that raises questions about your judgment.
Now, I do want to drill down on your statement around the video and how that came about. You said that you were approached by a family member of Mr. Fraser. Who was that family member?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Through you, Madam Chair, I'd be happy to provide all the information on this.
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
It's a simple question: Who was the family member?
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Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Madam Chair, I've been a member of PROC and I know that we've been very careful about revealing the names of family members.
I'm happy to provide that information, and I will, to the clerk of PROC.
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Conservative
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Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
May I ask that the committee speak to Mr. Fraser and ask him whether it's okay for him to reveal the name of the family member?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bardish Chagger
I'm pausing the time for a second.
I think Mr. Cooper has moved on. We know that you're undertaking to bring those documents. I will confirm that all members want those documents at the end of your appearance. We still have lots of time with you.
What I hear from Mr. Cooper is that he has moved on and is asking when the request was made. I feel that Mr. Cooper hears what you're saying. I think he has the same regard.
The floor is yours, Mr. Cooper.
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Conservative
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
Okay. In your statement to the House on December 4, you stated that you were asked to record a video to be played at an intimate gathering. What was that intimate gathering?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Through you, Madam Chair, it was to be a surprise goodbye with members of Mr. Fraser's team to be played on December 1.
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
It was to be played on December 1. Who is Mr. Fraser's team?
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Liberal
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
I presume you're talking about his political team. Would that be Mr. Fraser's team?
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Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
I'm assuming it would comprise part of his political team, but it certainly could be other friends and family gathering.
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
The event was to be held on December 1. Where was the event—at what location?
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
You had no idea, but you knew it was going to be played for Mr. Fraser's team. You weren't sure of the number of people, and as you indicated, part of that would have been his political team.
Mr. Fergus, that again raises serious questions about your judgment.
When did you find out that it was played at the Ontario leadership announcement? What time before then were you alerted that it would be played?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
I wasn't alerted at all that it would be played. Indeed, I received assurances that it wouldn't be played publicly.
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Conservative
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
You mean to tell me you found out at the same time that the public found out?
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Liberal