Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on Dec. 5th, 2024

[Anna Gainey, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC]

Thank you very much.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

I appreciate that.

For the next round of questioning, we are going to Ms. Sinclair-Desgagné for two and a half minutes.

[Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné, Bloc, Terrebonne, QC]

Is it my turn?

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

No, I'm sorry. We're going to Mr. Barrett for five minutes. I apologize.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Boissonnault, on November 15, your disclosure with the Ethics Commissioner's office was updated to reflect a loan receivable from an individual.

Is that related to any business venture, including with Ms. Poon, Mr. Anderson, GHI or Xennex, or to your surrendering your shares in GHI?

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

No.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Who is the individual?

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

That is a matter with the Ethics Commissioner, and that's where it should stay.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

I will note for you, sir, that it's not your prerogative to not answer questions. You cannot refuse to answer a question before a parliamentary committee.

Are you refusing to tell us the name of the individual, yes or no?

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Chair, can we have clarification on that?

This information is with the Ethics Commissioner, and that's where it should reside.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Stop the time, Chair.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

It's already stopped.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

I have a point of order on that, please.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

Okay.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

If the member wants to bring up Ethics Commissioner questions or ethics questions, he's a member of the ethics committee. He can bring them up over there. This is not related to what we're discussing today, and I agree—

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

That's not a point of order. That's debate.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

I agree. That is—

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

It's a matter between the Ethics Commissioner and individuals.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

I agree. That is debate.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

He doesn't share his private information with everyone. It is with the Ethics Commissioner, and he should have respect for other members of Parliament.

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

Thank you, Mr. Drouin.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

It's going to come back on you guys. You know that. If you go that low....

[The Vice-Chair, Conservative, Jamie Schmale]

Mr. Barrett, the floor is yours.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

You guys know if you go that low....

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

I'll give the rest of my time to Mr. Shields.