Evidence of meeting #47 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was screen.
A video is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
You made allegations that this person was an Alto employee, but this person had not been employed there for a long time.
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
That's why I'm saying that you're making allegations. That's what's concerning. I have been trying to help you with this for a while now, because if you make allegations—
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
The people following our proceedings have just heard one thing, but those allegations are unfounded. If you were in court today, a lawyer would raise an objection, because you don't have evidence to say that, and the facts don't demonstrate that intention.
This person had left their job months ago. All the rules on awarding contracts were followed. The screen was in place. That's why I encourage you to be careful. I understand that you have the right to ask the questions you want. That's up to you, but I encourage you to be careful because, in your premise, you're saying things that are not accurate and that are not supported by evidence.
Conservative
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
The evidence shows that this person, even though they had just left their job, worked for Alto and that you still paid them $12,178.
I understand that, at some point, we get bogged down in details. You said that the legislation allows you to do this. However, at a certain point, the public will lose confidence in the institutions when they see this.
You said that your role is to ensure that the public maintains confidence in the institutions. Unfortunately, since I've been here, you—the Liberals—have always put yourselves in positions that make people think that this is close to the line. You have a responsibility in this too, Minister.
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
I would say that this is your opinion, Mr. Hardy.
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
I meet many Canadians who don't share your opinion. That's why we must distinguish between opinions and facts. That's your opinion. As I said, if you're making allegations, you must show evidence and you must be able to present facts. We're all fortunate to be participating in this special committee meeting today. It's the ethics committee, so you need the facts first.
Conservative
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
Okay. Did you pay someone $12,168 to write a speech? That's a fact.
Liberal
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Again, the Department of Finance hired a person who helped us during the budget period to ensure that French was used both in the speech and throughout the budget process. The person worked for quite a while to make sure that we were doing things properly. This is perfectly within the rules.
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
You'll see this in previous budgets.
Conservative
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
You're telling us that you followed the rules and hired someone who cost $12,168 just to make sure that the French was correct and that we'll find it in many other places. Is that right?
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
That's not what I told you. Again, you're making allegations. That's not what I said.
Conservative
Gabriel Hardy Conservative Montmorency—Charlevoix, QC
I'm trying to understand your responses. It's strange, but I, a Quebecker, can't understand you. Imagine that.
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Take a walk with me on the street. People understand what you're doing—
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
People will see what's on the television today. This isn't what they want to see from you. You have the right to ask questions, but you don't have the right to make up facts.
Conservative
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
You're entitled to your opinion. You're entitled to it, I grant you. You can't make up facts, but you're entitled to your opinion. People can judge by watching the television.
