Mr. Speaker, we were disgusted to learn that the taxpayers of Quebec and of Canada footed the bill for Major General John Arch MacInnis' retirement celebrations. It appears that these cost between $250,000 and $300,000. That is quite simply scandalous.
What makes it even worse is that the Major General's executive assistant, Colonel Fred Noseworthy, had been duly warned that such spending would be viewed as excessive by taxpayers and would affect staff morale. Colonel Noseworthy chose to thumb his nose at both armed forces personnel and taxpayers.
I would encourage you to read today's Ottawa Sun for his reply.
This is totally unacceptable behaviour. We demand that, for once, the Minister of Defence show some leadership, demand that this money be paid back, and take the necessary steps to avoid any such occurrence in future.