Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Industry will know that a free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy. The press must be free to criticize government without fear of retribution. Esprit de Corps has in its writings been critical of certain aspects of sourcing of military equipment. Following this criticism a high ranking bureaucrat from industry, seconded to the Department of National Defence, is alleged to have suggested to advertisers that they should boycott advertising in the magazine Esprit de Corps .
Will the minister launch an investigation to determine the scope of the involvement of personnel from the Department of Industry in attempting to destroy this Canadian publication?