Mr. Speaker, he should be speaking to at least one of his leaders so we know whether that party thinks these are appropriate actions.
In May 2002, after the industry minister began lobbying for a bailout package for the Irvings, the ethics counsellor told the minister to stay out of these files, to stay out of decisions on Irving business. However in June 2003 we know that the industry minister actually co-signed a $55 million package for Irving, while under the blackout.
Why did he not consult the ethics counsellor on the deal before signing off on it?