Mr. Speaker, I would like the member to respond to the following findings of the Gomery report. The report states:
The Commission of Inquiry found:
Clear evidence of political involvement in the administration of the Sponsorship Program....
A veil of secrecy surrounding the administration of the Sponsorship Program and an absence of transparency in the contracting process....
The use of the Sponsorship Program for the purposes other than national unity or federal visibility because of a lack of objectives, criteria and guidelines for the Program.
Deliberate actions to avoid compliance with federal legislation and policies....
Certain agencies carrying on their payrolls individuals who were, in effect, working on Liberal Party matters.
The existence of a “culture of entitlement” among political officials and bureaucrats involved with the Sponsorship Program, including the receipt of monetary and non-monetary benefits.