Evidence of meeting #17 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was gillani.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
We went through the steps in the case, what I could confirm, the information we'd collected, and what we had validated.
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
So you had evidence that you presented to him. It was of what nature?
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
We discussed the case. I indicated that we did have a business relationship between Mr. Gillani and Mr. Jaffer.
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Okay, we've established that. How did it concern your client?
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
There were a number of problems that had circulated throughout the day with respect to what was becoming.... Essentially, the client's issue was Mr. Gillani, and the story had become an issue of Mr. Jaffer and Ms. Guergis as a result of Mr. Donovan's investigation.
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
When you met with Mr. Hamilton, what did you anticipate would happen, based on the information you were bringing on behalf of your client? What did you anticipate happening?
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
We discussed very specific questions. Arthur and I had a very careful conversation. Would you like me to give you an example of one of those questions?
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Please. Specifically around Mr. Jaffer's business dealings would be....
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
Mr. Hamilton asked me, “Is it possible that someone can produce a photograph or a record whereby the minister, her husband, and his business partner, who is awaiting trial on fraud-related materials--there is a warrant for his arrest for a handgun possession issue, and he has admitted to being involved in this escort agency--are dining together?”, and I said, “Yes, that evidence can be produced.”
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
That wasn't a photograph, to my knowledge. The question was on whether it could be done, and I told him where and when it could be located. I said, “All you have to do is go over to Sassafras and pull the security video.”
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Okay. We've had evidence before us from Mr. Gillani saying that the photograph doesn't exist.
What else did you say, exactly? What else did you discuss with Mr. Hamilton, besides the photograph?
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
We had those types of discussions. “Is it possible that clients of mine met with Mr. Gillani and Mr. Jaffer, with the idea that they could open up government funds and grants?” I said, “Yes, I have clients who will say they met with them for that purpose.”
Those were the types of questions we had back and forth.
3:35 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
To that question, you have evidence or you've had discussions with this particular lawyer saying that Mr. Jaffer could get government grants. Is that what you understood?
3:35 p.m.
As an Individual
I understood from my client that the meeting he was brought to by Mr. Gillani and Mr. Jaffer was for the purpose of Mr. Jaffer's facilitating access to this green fund funding and special consideration by members of the government. That was his niche in the partnership.
3:40 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Okay. Could you describe what was meant or understood by “special consideration”?