Mr. Speaker, allow me to begin by thanking the hon. member for Mississauga South for posing the question and for being here at this late hour to contribute to the debate.
Our government takes these allegations very seriously. This government prides itself on accountability and transparency. That is why we strengthened the powers and responsibilities of those arm's-length agencies that are charged with investigating such matters.
The Minister of Natural Resources continues to co-operate fully with the Ethics Commissioner. The minister is following, and will follow, the commissioner's ruling and guidance.
The issue is still being examined by the Ethics Commissioner and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment.