Government Operations Committee on Nov. 30th, 2010

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

In politics, it's all about optics. I decided to have some fun preparing a little summary. Since everything is available to the public, I took a look at contributions in your riding.

However, before going any further, I'd you to tell me whether the second cocktail party which took place in Montreal was for your riding of Mégantic—L'Érable.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes, it was.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

So, you organized a cocktail party in Montreal to raise funds for your riding of Mégantic—L'Érable, which is located in the Chaudière—Appalaches region. That is my understanding.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

All right.

I come back to what I said earlier. It's all about perceptions.

In 2007, you had 49 donors, including two who contributed $1,000.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

That's possible.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

You can trust me on this; I'm not trying to set a trap for you. I trust the CEO at Elections Canada.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

No problem. That's the reason why we make those records available to the public. It's about transparency. It's the same for all the parties.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Excellent.

In 2008, you had 17 donors, including three who contributed $1,000. It wasn't a very good year. Then suddenly, in 2009, you became Minister of Public Works. You were the Minister until January 19, 2010, were you not?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

In 2009, you were the Minister of Public Works, and there were 92 donors, including 15 who each contributed $1,000. Is that normal?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes. Well, when I say yes, I'm actually relying on what you just told me. I don't have the document in front of me.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

I guarantee you that I'm not going to try anything. I am a lawyer by profession.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

That's fine.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

I'm working with documents. I won't try to trap you.

Does the name Bernard Lamarre mean anything to you?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

He is with SNC-Lavalin.

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

He contributed $1,000. Does that ring a bell?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

All right.

Who is Bernard Raymond? Do you know him?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

I know the name. I found out later that he is a contractor, but I can't tell you any more than that. I don't know him personally.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

He is a construction contractor?

[Christian Paradis, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Yes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

I see.

And Bruce Winchester? He can't be the one that makes Winchester rifles. That isn't possible. Who is he?