Mr. Speaker, yesterday, when Marcel Beaudry, chairman of the National Capital Commission, appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, I made some exaggerated comments about the City of Hull to make the point to Mr. Beaudry that the NCC invariably passes over Hull in favour of Ottawa in the choices it makes.
Taken out of context, my remarks offended the people of Hull. I would like to apologize to them in this House. It really was not my intention to hurt anyone.
The tendency to inflated language, which sometimes afflicts those involved in politics, surfaced in my attempts to ensure that Mr. Beaudry, who makes no distinction between a Liberal Party fundraising dinner and a committee for a no vote fundraising dinner, really understood my explanation.
To the people of Hull, I again offer my most sincere apologies.