Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice Canada is not implicated in the defence of Mrs. Lise Thibault.
If proceedings are eventually undertaken against Mrs. Thibault, employees from Canadian Heritage may be called as witnesses. Counsel from our office could then be consulted to advise government employees of their rights and obligations and of the progress of the proceedings.
In certain cases, if the situation and interests of the Government of Canada require it, government employees may be accompanied by Justice counsel.
We estimate that the time and fees incurred by the Department of Justice in this case will remain minimal and will be incurred only to preserve the interests of the Government of Canada and its employees.