David Collenette

[Bosnia, May 17th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, though we are very concerned about the situation in the former Yugoslavia, the Prime Minister made the government's position quite clear last week.

There is good work still to be done by UNPROFOR. The Canadian government is still committed. We are consulting with our allies to see whether or not the mission should continue and if changes are required what could be implemented.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the fact that the deputy minister will be looking into this shows that there will be some action taken.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, on the specific allegation the hon. member raised, I answered that question Friday. I answered it yesterday and I answered it again today.

Some disturbing comments have come to light as a result of a speech given by the director general of public affairs. The deputy minister is looking into it. If I have any further announcement on any action that may be taken, it will be made to the House in due course.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

However, I will let other Canadians be the judge of that.

I would like to repeat that the comments which have been brought to my attention are disturbing. They are being looked at by the deputy minister. As to any action that may be taken, I will have to inform the House at a later date.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, if there was ever a rhetorical question that was it. Considering the amount of controversy we have had in the last year and a half, I feel quite comfortable in the leadership I have given to the department.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I agreed with that very point when it was raised last Friday. Any employee of the Department of National Defence should be very cautious in what he or she says, publicly or privately, with respect to matters which are now before the commission. We do not want anything to be said by anyone in a position of authority to give the impression that there would be some kind of prejudicing of the inquiry.

I also note that the individual in question, the director general of public affairs, won a public service competition for the post.

[National Defence, May 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, certainly the comments that have been publicized on television and have come to my attention are disturbing. It is a matter that the deputy minister of national defence is looking into at the moment.

[Old Age Security Act, May 15th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the same applies for me.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

[National Defence, May 15th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, if any members of the forces are required to testify they will be there.

[National Defence, May 15th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely not.

The fact is that Major Armstrong along with other Canadian forces personnel are required as part of their duties to be deployed from time to time outside the country.

If the commission wishes to have Major Armstrong or anyone else testify before the inquiry, it has to ask the person to come. The forces will certainly make him available, no matter where the person is residing.