Evidence of meeting #14 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was mulroney.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo
All right. Thank you for that.
Now, I know you didn't want to come. I know you were disgusted with what was there and I know, as a consequence, you worked long hours. You needed to get out of there and you did.
What did you find so disgusting at 24 Sussex that you would not want to come before this committee? What was it that you were disgusted about, sir?
I remind you, you are under oath. I don't know whether or not anybody has tried to coach you on your witnessing, but I think it's important that you answer the question for the committee.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON
But how is that related to the study before the committee?
5:30 p.m.
A voice
He's a witness.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo
Order.
You're debating. That's not a point of order.
Mr. Martin, could you try to answer the question for us?
5:30 p.m.
As an Individual
I was young at the time; I arrived at 24 Sussex Drive at the age of 24. At one point, I felt that the expenses were big. The lifestyle and the work that I was doing no longer suited me. So I decided to pull up stakes and go and carry on my occupation elsewhere, quite simply. It was professional, and I wanted to do something else.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo
Thank you very much. I wanted to understand that because--you can understand--when someone initially refuses to appear and gives a reason such as that, without any details, it's important for you to be on the record as to why you responded. Your answer is perfectly acceptable.
You are here and I think you've been very honest with us, so thank you very much for being here.
I'm going to excuse you now.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo
Colleagues, there is just one item I would like to give you notice of. You have received, and it was circulated to your places, a document in both official languages from the law clerk of Parliament on the powers of Parliament to call for persons, papers, and records. The law clerk gives you the information you will need to discuss our ability to subpoena records such as tax returns, etc., with any other parties, so you will have the legal opinion from Parliament to give you the basis you need to have.
Are there any questions about that?
Yes, Mr. Wallace.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Wallace Conservative Burlington, ON
If the motion comes forward to do a subpoena, I would like the law clerk to be here to discuss the paper.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo
Absolutely. This is just for your information, to let you know what you have.
There being no further business, we're adjourned.