I have no idea whether he has anything to hide. That is not for me to say. However let us vote on the motion and start with the process.
An opposition member says that there should be an ethics counsellor who reports to the House. Well, that is fine.
I have here a news release dated June 11, 2002 from the Right Hon. Prime Minister which says, and I quote:
New Appointment Procedure for the Ethics Counsellor
The Prime Minister announced today that the Ethics Counsellor will be appointed after consultation with the leaders of the opposition parties, serving for a term of 5 years. Further, dismissal could only take place with the concurrence of Parliament.
So it is not just this House but both Houses which will have to do it. This is even more prudent of the Prime Minister.
The release goes on to say:
In addition, the Ethics Counsellor will inquire into complaints, or other matters related to a Minister of the Crown, referred to his Office by any member of Parliament. As promised by the Prime Minister on May 23, 2002, there will now be an annual report on the activities of the Office of the Ethics Counsellor that will be presented to the Speaker of the House.