FEDERAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT EXPECTED TO BE PASSED THROUGH THE HOUSE OF COMMONS TODAY

June 21, 2006

Peterborough, Ontario – Today, the Federal Accountability Act is expected to be passed through the House of Commons by the Government of Canada. As a member of the government, I believe in transparent accountability to all of my constituents and insist that at all times my office operates beyond reproach.

The issue brought forward that my Ottawa office sent approximately 100 faxes to Peterborough for a riding association function is not acceptable. This decision was not approved or condoned by me and as such was a violation of the operating ethics that I expect of my staff.

Effective immediately, the responsible staff member, Executive Assistant Tony McMillan, is suspended from his duties and stripped of his title. While this is a minor transgression and misuse of public resources, likely brought forth for partisan gain, I have set the bar very high for accountable government.

I want to reassure all of my constituents that my commitment to better government, government that they can believe in is unwavering. I promised the voters of the Peterborough riding that, “I will not betray your trust.” and I stand by that statement. Mr. McMillan has exercised poor judgement in this case and is suffering the consequences of that decision.

While a final decision on his status will be made following an investigation, I want to state publicly that I have met very few people that even approach Mr. McMillan’s work ethic and regard for people. It is a shame that this event is overshadowing his exemplary service to his community and his country.