Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order regarding statements that were made in the House last week on February 6.
The allegation was made that I somehow was involved in the release of ministerial speaking notes regarding an announcement that the minister would be making on the morning of February 6.
I have spoken to the minister and to the government House leader and have advised them that neither I nor my office were responsible for the leaking of those notes. In fact, my office was advised that morning that there would be a ministerial statement the next day but we were not given any indication as to what it would be about. At the same time there was a media advisory that suggested it would be about the dive team.
Nevertheless, not knowing, my office contacted people in the coast guard who advised us that the announcement would be about the dive team, and they made further inquiries relating to that instance.
I was not aware of the matter because I did not arrive in Ottawa until later that afternoon. When I was given a copy of the document, which I did read, I answered questions from a reporter later on in the day assuming he was aware of the incident.
However, I want to emphasize again that I did not release documents, nor did my office. I regret any upset that may have occurred over this matter. I assure the minister that in the future I will be even more cautious in my comments on matters such as this.