John Baird

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, in this place, I have answered the questions that the members opposite have put forward.

There are two independent authorities that are looking into this matter. Let us give them the time to do that work. We look forward to their findings.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the other place had auditors come in. A committee of that place looked into this matter. It came to the conclusion that these expenses should not have been claimed. No one in this government believes these expenses should have been claimed, and that undoubtedly reflects the conclusion of the report at the end of the day.

I understand the report did reflect that a reimbursement had been made, which was obviously factual.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, once again, I reject much of the premise of the question from the member opposite.

Let me say a number of things. One, the Prime Minister became aware of this issue last week after media reports surfaced. Right now, there are two independent authorities looking into this matter. Let us give them the opportunity to do that.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, once again, it will come as no surprise to my colleague, the member opposite, that I reject much of the premise of his preamble.

Let me just say this. The Prime Minister was not aware of this reimbursement until after it became public through media reports. The chief of staff has tendered his resignation. There are two independent authorities looking into this matter. We will allow them the time to do their work and we will await their findings.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, let me once again be very clear. This issue has already been referred to two independent authorities that will appropriately look into this matter and report back to Parliament and to Canadians. This government looks forward to the findings of those two independent reports.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. No taxpayer money was involved with respect to this reimbursement.

It is clear from the committee's report over in the other place that these expenses should not have been claimed. The government and no one in this caucus is disputing that fundamental fact.

On Sunday, Mr. Wright took the responsible decision and tendered his resignation, and that resignation was immediately accepted.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to a legal agreement to which the member opposite refers, our understanding is there is no such agreement.

This issue has been referred to two independent authorities that will look into the matter. We look forward to them reporting back to Parliament and to Canadians.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister obviously not having known of the payment could not know about any alleged agreement to which the leader of the third party refers.

This matter has been referred to two independent bodies that will review it. We look forward to hearing their comments following.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I have said it before and I will say it again. The Prime Minister was not aware of the payment until last week when reports surfaced in the media.

Our understanding is there is no document. Again, I am very happy to have responded to both questions the member asked.

[Ethics, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I have stood in this place and I have answered the question categorically as to when the Prime Minister was made aware of this issue. I could not be any clearer.