Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I want to return to saying very clearly to the minister that I have always had the utmost respect for his service in the Canadian Forces and, in particular, his service in Afghanistan. I think the minister knows that. I am not sure where that reaction comes from, although I have to say that I did see it once before when I raised questions about his failure to order an inquiry into the transfer of Afghan detainees.
I will assure you that what I am asking about is what you did or did not do as minister. It's not about your previous service.
I raised the question about who knew what about General Vance because I have been told literally dozens of times that General Vance's indiscretions were the worst-kept secret in the Canadian military. During the course of this hearing today, I have actually received messages from veterans conveying that once again. It is very hard for me to accept that you knew nothing about this and that the Prime Minister knew nothing.
Mr. Baker says that there is no evidence that the Prime Minister knew about these allegations. The Prime Minister said so himself in question period. He said so himself in his presser—that he knew there were allegations. He just didn't know the details.
Mr. Minister, I want to ask you this: In addition to contacting the Privy Council Office, did you or your chief of staff inform the Prime Minister's office of these allegations?