Mr. Speaker, we now have a second member just corroborating that accusation and therefore refusing to accept the apology of an hon. minister.
Fifth, it has been said in words to the effect that the community in question, and I disagree with that, was “a haven for cross burners”.
This statement was never made by the minister. In fact she withdrew what she said. Regardless, the particular statement was never made. How could one allege that someone made a statement when the statement was not that and was withdrawn anyway? If it was withdrawn, it was assumed under the rules of the House not to have been made.
I did not invent those rules. They were around here long before I came along, and possibly will be around far longer than I will be here. Be that as it may, other members and I will accept when a member apologizes to the House because that is the appropriate thing to do.