Justice Committee on Nov. 27th, 2007

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

We don't have a projection at this time.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Am I correct, though, that there will be additional funds spent in the fiscal period 2007-08?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

I think it's quite possible, obviously.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Right.

I have the same question for the major report on the Air India inquiry. The funds are not going to end; there will be additional funds spent in 2007-08?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

That's a pretty good guess, Mr. Comartin.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

All right.

With regard to the upcoming inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber matter, has there been any projection made as to how much the Department of Justice will be spending on it?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

No.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Has any analysis been made at all of the cost?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Again, I—

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

I'm sorry, Mr. Nicholson, can I interrupt you?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Yes, go right ahead.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

I should have preceded this with another question.

Has there been an estimate made just for the current year, that is, 2006, I guess—2006-07?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

We may be getting ahead of ourselves. I think we had better make sure we know what the parameters and the guidelines are for a public inquiry before we'd be in a position to estimate those costs.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Okay.

In a situation like this, where Professor Johnston has been delegated to take on the responsibility to make recommendations, where do the funds come from to cover his costs and those of whatever experts he hires?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

I believe it's the Privy Council Office, Mr. Comartin, but I'll certainly check into it for you.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

But you're fairly certain it doesn't come out of the Department of Justice figures?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

No.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Is there any contingency fund in the Department of Justice where that could be drawn from?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

You've asked two questions.

Is there a contingency fund in the Department of Justice? Not really, no. We try to give the estimates we'll need, and of course that's why we're back here on the supps, if there are increased costs or different changes.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Mr. Minister, would any of the cost of bringing Mr. Schreiber to Ottawa, whether for the standing committee or the inquiry, come out of your department, or would it all come from either Citizenship and Immigration or Public Safety?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

It doesn't come from us, Mr. Comartin.

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Okay.

In making your decision as to whether you're going to put off the extradition of Mr. Schreiber from this country, is cost a factor at all?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Is cost a factor?

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Of keeping him in Canada. Is cost a factor at all?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

At this point, I should let you know that there has been an application filed on that extradition matter. That matter will be before the court on Friday, so I don't think it would be appropriate for me to speculate.