Evidence of meeting #15 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 39th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was meeting.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
First of all, to come back to Mr. Rosenberg's political activities, my understanding, and I think the understanding of everyone around this table, is that anybody, any member of the Canadian public, can go to any kind of fundraising event no matter what the party is, pay whatever the entrance fee is, and so on and so forth.
Even James Moore can actually...I'm sure you have in the past. I don't want to presuppose anything, Mr. Moore, but I'm sure in the past you must have bought a ticket at some kind of fundraising event.
I have some questions for the witnesses.
I believe we have met before, Mr. Soudas? Can you recall under what circumstances?
Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister
I was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada between 1993 and 1997. I campaigned for the Liberal Party of Canada in Montreal and in Laval. I have also had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Housakos since the age of 13 or 14, and of campaigning against you in 2000 when he ran for the Canadian Alliance party.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Very well. Thank you.
I believe we have also met before, Mr. Housakos. And here we are face to face again. For the record, can you explain why we continue to run into each other from time to time?
Are you waiting for the interpretation, Mr. Housakos?
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Yes. Mr. Housakos, I would ask you to refrain from playing Mr. Soudas' little game and from asking us to repeat each question just to waste time.
If you prefer that I speak to you in English so I don't have to repeat twice, I'm quite happy to do so. Would you prefer I speak in English to you?
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Okay. I would just like to ask you, Mr. Housakos, whether we have met in the past, and it's my impression that at present we continue to meet from time to time amongst other people in Laval.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
It seems to me we were both present at a function of the Lebanese Catholic church a couple of weeks ago.
As an Individual
I think you're recognizing somebody who's perhaps as good looking as me, but I wasn't there.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Then he's a very fortunate gentleman, Mr. Housakos, if he looks like you.
However, it's also my understanding that you are coordinating the Conservative Party of Canada's election team for the next election?
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Okay. Thank you very much for that.
As it so happens, Mr. Soudas, I am acquainted with several of the people who are here today. Mr. Tremblay is also my municipal councillor. I live in Montreal, not Laval.
Aside from Mr. Tremblay, who is a municipal councillor, have you had any contacts in the past with other councillors, or with other Montreal municipal councillors?
Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister
You speak very softly, Ms. Folco. I really didn't hear...
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I was asking if in the past, you have had dealings with other councillors or with other Montreal municipal councillors.
Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister
When issues arise, I ask questions about...
Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister
I'm explaining my way of doing things, Ms. Folco. When a matter arises, I ask questions. I look for information, like any good political advisor does.
