Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
Last week, barely five hours after the minister was questioned about the dubious arrest of Corporal Purnelle, seven charges were laid against the latter, because he allegedly defied the orders of a superior who wanted to prevent him from giving evidence before the Somalia commission.
How does the minister justify the fact that, five hours after he stated in this House that no member of the army was or would be prevented from giving information to the commission of inquiry, seven charges were laid against this corporal, who had the courage to defy the order of his superiors and give evidence before the commission?