Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. member that I am monitoring the situation and reviewing a number of allegations that have been made.
This event occurred well before our mandate commenced. It was back in 1991. It is the subject of litigation. A number of accusations have been made by a variety of different parties. In fact the CBC had made an allegation against two of the individuals.
For the benefit of all members, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the retraction which was published: "Last week the CBC broadcast a story which implied payments had been made to Senator Pierre DeBane and to Canada Post Corporation President, Georges Clermont, in connection with the awarding of a contract for construction by Perez Construction of the new headquarters building of Canada Post in Ottawa. On investigation, CBC has determined that that story was false and unjustified. CBC retracts the story and apologizes to Senator DeBané, Georges Clermont, José Perez and the Canada Post Corporation for any embarrassment caused by the erroneous report".
I anticipate that additional allegations will come forward. Until such time as the litigation comes to a close, we will continue to monitor the situation.