Mr. Speaker, when the ombudsperson came forward with allegations, the minister quite rightly directed him to the Privy Council Office to follow up on those investigations. We know that allegations of sexual misconduct need to be taken extremely seriously and need to be followed up on by appropriate authorities, not by politicians. That is something that Ray Novak emphasized in his appearance at committee. We will always take very seriously allegations of sexual assault. We will always stand up for the women and men who step forward while they serve.
In the House of Commons on March 24th, 2021. See this statement in context.