Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Quebecois awards its prize for the best bungler to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
After his murky role in the Ginn Publishing affair, his attempt to influence the CRTC's decision regarding a broadcasting licence, his decision to slash the CBC's budget and refusal to admit that he had done it, his embroilment of the CRTC in the Power DirecTv matter, his less than timely visit to Los Angeles and its impact on the Seagram matter, the minister just keeps on going.
Why should we be surprised that the minister accepted to be the host of a $2,000 a plate dinner organized by a lobbying firm? Why should we be surprised to see that the minister's office awarded that very firm three contracts?
In light of these revelations, one question comes to mind: Why does the Prime Minister protect this minister who is singlehandedly bringing down the semblance of respectability and ethical conduct that the government has so painstakingly built for itself?