Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to understand an allegation of wrongdoing "on the Seagram file" when so far nothing has been done on the Seagram file.
I state again very clearly that the threshold issue is whether or not Seagram is a Canadian controlled corporation. That is a matter entirely within the determination of the acting president of Investment Canada, based on criteria set out in the act. That determination will be made based upon information we obtain from Seagram or its counsel. The next stage would be a review under the Investment Canada Act of whether the transaction is of net benefit to Canada.
I suspect the hon. member wants to say that he does not think Heritage Canada, Investment Canada and Industry Canada will act in the best interest of Canada in reviewing the transaction. That is an extreme allegation. I invite him to make such allegations in a public forum where he is subject to all disciplines of civil law. I would ask him, if he is going to say things like that, to provide real evidence rather than just innuendo.