Evidence of meeting #43 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 summit.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Bernard Côté  As an Individual

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

I don't know what to say about that. I'm at a loss for words.

The Chair Liberal John McKay

[Inaudible--Editor]

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

The Chair Liberal John McKay

Thank you, Mr. Martin.

Mr. Regan, for five minutes, please.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Côté, for being here this morning.

Mr. Côté, did you meet with anyone to discuss the testimony you would give this morning in advance of this meeting?

10:10 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

I discussed it with some friends.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Which friends would those be?

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

Friends of mine.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Are they members of the Conservative Party?

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

Many of my friends are Conservatives.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Are you prepared to tell us who they were?

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

No, it's none of your business.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

I'm sorry. You're telling me that you had discussions in preparing for testimony here at this meeting and it's none of our business to know who you discussed it with?

I'm sorry, sir. You're wrong. Please disclose to us who you discussed your testimony with in advance of this meeting.

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

Mr. Chair, am I obliged to--

The Chair Liberal John McKay

Yes, you are, Mr. Côté. There is no witness privilege that is accorded to who you might talk to.

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

One of my former colleagues, Jacques Gagnon.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Who is Mr. Gagnon? What did he do in the minister's office?

Bernard Côté

He was director of communications for Mr. Fortier.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

He was director of communications for Mr. Fortier. He was in charge of massaging the messaging. He was the spin doctor for Mr. Fortier, and he's advised--

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

He was the director of communications for Mr. Fortier.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

He has helped you to prepare for today's testimony.

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

He's a communications guy. He gave me some advice.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

What sort of advice did he give you?

10:15 a.m.

As an Individual

Bernard Côté

How to prepare and how to answer in general.

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Was the minister's office involved? Where is Mr. Gagnon now? What does he do now?