Mr. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, four weeks ago today the former minister for the status of women was kicked out of cabinet and the Conservative caucus. Since then, there are allegations of illegal lobbying and influence peddling, confirmation of questionable personal side trips while on official government business in Belize, airport security regulations broken, denial of cocaine use while in possession of the illegal drug and so much more. Yet we are told none of this was the reason for the minister being fired. Therefore, what was it?
Why did the Prime Minister fire her? What could possibly be worse than all of this?
Hon. John Baird (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, serious allegations were brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. What did he do? He immediately referred it to independent authorities so they could look into the matter and make a determination. This is something that is tremendously important. That shows a high ethical standard.
We want to see the Liberals exercise a high ethical standard. Is there a single member in the Liberal caucus who will stand and apologize right now for the Liberal sponsorship scandal? Just one member stand up right now.
Mr. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the minister’s routine is wearing thin, and he knows it. However, he is after all the leader of the magnificent seven, or is it eight or nine?
The minister of transport claims to have not discussed over dinner with his good buddy Rahim Jaffer the very proposals under consideration at the very same time by his department. That is no surprise. The minister has a pattern of involving himself in secret dinners where political favours seem to be on the menu.
Will the Prime Minister now order his ministers to reveal all of their dealings with Rahim Jaffer?
Hon. John Baird (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite seems confident in what he is saying. If he has any allegations he wishes to make, I would encourage him to step outside of the House and make those allegations.
The reality is the member for Ottawa South will not do that because he does not have any evidence. He does not have any facts. He is just plain wrong.
