Mr. Speaker, on November 12, Mr. Mulroney issued in a statement:
--I have come to the conclusion that in order to finally put this matter to rest and expose all the facts and the role played by all the people involved, from public servants to elected officials, from lobbyists to the police authorities, as well as journalists, the only solution is for the government to launch a full-fledged public commission of inquiry which would cover the period from 1988 to today.
Only then will the whole truth be finally exposed and tarnished reputations restored.
The ethics committee conducted hearings into this matter and agreed. In fact, the very next day, the Prime Minister himself acknowledged the need for the public inquiry and told Canadians that there would, in fact, be a public inquiry.
Before the ethics committee finished its hearings, it issued two reports. One was simply to reaffirm its request that a public inquiry be called. A second report was issued that the committee had finished its witness phase of the hearings and encouraged the Prime Minister to move forward with the appointment of a commissioner.
On April 2 the committee issued its final report and tabled it in the House. That is two months ago. The Prime Minister promised a full public inquiry back on November 13.
Our final report was issued on April 2. That is a full two months to the day that the committee completed its work and is waiting the commencement of the inquiry.
We are told that there are some problems trying to find somebody to do the job. The Prime Minister made that indication back in November. He also said that he would follow Dr. Johnston's recommendations with regard to the scope and terms of reference. He has had two reports from Dr. Johnston on that already. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that we should not have the appointment of a commissioner.
Just like in the legal sense, justice delayed is justice denied. This is an important matter that was dealt with by a parliamentary committee. We take the Prime Minister at his word and we ask again, when will the commissioner be appointed so that a full inquiry can be undertaken?