Mr. Speaker, the facts are that on April 21, 1997, Yvon Duhaime wrote a letter to the Prime Minister asking for help in getting a Business Development Bank loan. HRD found out just two weeks later. It was amazing that funding was assured.
Shortly thereafter, just four days before the 1997 election was called, HRD funding was publicly announced. The fact is that was two months before it was even approved by the minister.
What was it: vote buying, protecting financial interest or both?