Lost his last election, in 2000, with 6% of the vote.
Airbus February 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is clear the justice minister bungled this case. He could have stopped this action by withdrawing the letter on which the $50 million lawsuit was based. He chose not to do it.
The million dollar Airbus deal was designed to protect the reputations of the justice minister, the solicitor general and Brian Mulroney. The justice minister apologized to Mr. Mulroney. Is he now prepared to apologize to the Canadian taxpayers for the needless waste of millions of their dollars?
Airbus February 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the justice minister had the opportunity to head off the million dollar Airbus fiasco. He had a choice and he chose not to end it. The result was the waste of millions of taxpayers' dollars.
Why did the justice minister not issue his half-hearted apology over a year ago, as soon as he knew of his department's slanderous mistake?
Airbus February 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, anyone who is familiar with the file realizes the contents of the second letter, and it did not do one single solitary thing about appeasing the complainant in this whole matter.
The justice minister continues to absolve himself of any responsibility when clearly it was his irresponsible decision that cost the Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars. As soon as the justice minister heard of the libellous letter, it was his duty to act responsibly.
Why did the minister not withdraw the original letter and issue his apology immediately? Why did he take over a year and millions of taxpayers' dollars to settle this affair? How can the people of Canada trust this minister's judgment?
Airbus February 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, by November 8, 1995 the justice minister knew about the inflammatory contents of Kimberly Prost's letter to the Swiss authorities regarding the Airbus scandal.
At that time the justice minister had the opportunity to withdraw the letter and forward a second one, minus the libellous language. This would have stopped the $50 million lawsuit and saved the taxpayers a $1 million out of court settlement and would not have interfered with the RCMP investigation.
Why did the justice minister not withdraw the letter immediately on learning of its libellous content?
Airbus February 3rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the evidence shows very clearly that the justice minister knew what was going on and what the content of the letter was back in November 1996 and he chose to do nothing about it.
When I look across at the Liberal cabinet, all they seem able to do is botch up, cover up and make the taxpayer cough up. The
backroom Airbus deal soaked taxpayers for over $2 million which kept the abuse of the justice system from coming out during a public trial.
Despite all of the Prime Minister's promises, his cabinet refuse to be accountable themselves and refuse to demand accountability from senior officials. I ask the Prime Minister: When will he stop making speeches about accountability, integrity and responsibility and start acting on it?
Airbus February 3rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has always pretended to have high standards for his cabinet. He has always promised that every one of his ministers will have to take full responsibility for bungling in their departments. Well this has turned into a national joke.
Who is taking responsibility for the botched investigation into Airbus? The justice minister says he is not responsible, even though the letter to the Swiss authorities was written by his department and signed on his behalf. The solicitor general says he is not responsible; it is all the fault of an RCMP sergeant.
My question is for the Prime Minister. Is blaming RCMP sergeants his interpretation and understanding of ministerial responsibility?
Petitions December 13th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I would like to present an additional four petitions containing approximately 1,550 signatures.
The petitioners request that Parliament amend the Criminal Code to prohibit any type of lap dancing in any place to which the public has access. They do so because they believe obscenity distorts human sexuality and can be linked to violence.
Petitions December 13th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the remaining six petitions which I wish to present pertain to sexual orientation. More than 400 petitioners call on Parliament not to include sexual orientation in the Canada Human Rights Act, but to define this phrase and consult the Canadian people on this issue.
Petitions December 13th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I have one petition containing 66 signatures. The petitioners call on Parliament to return the rights to the citizens of Canada from the criminals.
Petitions December 13th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the next three petitions represent 245 citizens who urge the government to reduce spending instead of increasing taxes and to implement a taxpayer protection act to limit federal spending.