Madam Speaker, allow me to begin by thanking the hon. member for Mississauga South, who is the chair of the ethics committee, for his intervention today.
Our government takes these allegations seriously. This government prides itself on accountability and ethics. That is why we have strengthened the powers and responsibilities of those arm's-length agencies that are charged to investigate such matters.
The Minister of Natural Resources continues to cooperate fully with the Ethics Commissioner. The ministry is following, and will continue to follow, the commissioner's rulings and advice.
The issue is still being examined by the Ethics Commissioner and, therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to comment.