James Moore

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, quite frankly, we do not agree. We do not agree that the Senate report does not reflect that auditor's findings. As I said, the Senate committee will take another look at it. If the member opposite does not like that, then he can look to the Ethics Commissioner who is also examining this as well as the Senate ethics office, who are looking at this matter to answer these questions. I think that is the action that Canadians are looking for, to get to the answers of the questions that have been raised. We are showing the leadership that Canadians have come to expect.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as I understand, again, the opposition parties agreed with the government that there should be an independent outside auditor brought in to look at this matter. As I understand it, the report of the Senate reflected that auditor's report and the committee that did that report has Liberal members on that committee. Of course, new questions have been raised. The committee will take another look at it. If Liberal members want to ask whatever questions they want of that committee, they are free to do so. The Liberal member opposite should have some confidence in his colleagues, even if we do not.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Senator LeBreton put forward reforms that we think are in the interests of taxpayers. We do, as I said, want to go further, which is why we have legislation for both term limits and elections. With regard to respecting democracy and respecting institutions, I do believe in that and I believe in the words of the member for Winnipeg Centre, however, I do not believe in his actions. If he believes in actually improving the quality of this place and improving these institutions, perhaps he should walk his talk and avoid as many lawsuits as he has seen over the past few years.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as has been made clear in Nigel Wright's statement when he resigned as chief of staff to the Prime Minister, he acted alone.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Nigel Wright said himself that he acted alone.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague should know, the Prime Minister learned of this situation when it was reported in the media. After that, the Prime Minister asked us to take proactive steps to ensure that we are being diligent with taxpayers' money. Nigel Wright resigned. The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and the Senate committee are currently investigating the matter. I hope that my colleague will respect these institutions and their ability to find answers to her questions.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we are not changing the subject; we are talking about accountability and responsibility when it comes to taxpayers' money. That is what is on the table. That is what we are discussing and debating here.

On the issue of credibility, defending taxpayers and ensuring that taxpayers' interests are in the best interests of all Canadians, that is the subject before us. On this subject matter, it is very clear that, again, the NDP is throwing rocks from a glass house on the issue of responsibility and taxpayer money. Pay your taxes.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, upon resigning as the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Mr. Wright himself stated that he had acted alone.

Once again, if my colleague is so keen to prove he is accountable to taxpayers, he should ask his leader to show some leadership and tell us how many NDP MPs are not paying their taxes while all other Canadians are.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the Senate, as I just said, Canadians want us to move forward with our plan to reform the Senate. If the NDP genuinely supports that idea, it should support the two pieces of legislation we have before the House to truly reform the Senate. That is what Canadians really want. They want responsibility and reform. We have shown the way forward; all the NDP has to do is support us.

[Ethics, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Nigel Wright made it clear in his statements to the public when he resigned as chief of staff that he acted alone. If the member does not believe that, the Ethics Commissioner is examining this matter.

What is more important on the Senate is that the House move forward with Senate reform, the two pieces of legislation we have before the House. If the NDP members believe in reforming the Senate, let us do that. If they believe in accountability, they will ensure that their NDP colleagues pay their taxes like all Canadians have to do.