ETHI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics met in camera at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Paul Szabo, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Committee report to the House that it is finished with the witnesses and information gathering phase of the Mulroney Airbus settlement and recommends that a public inquiry be held forthwith.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108 (1) (a) in relation to the conflicting reports about the fundraising practices of the Liberal Party, the Committee investigate the fundraising practices of the Liberal Party of Canada, which, as evidenced by such recent events as, the February 13, 2008 Fundraising Auction at the Ottawa Congress Centre, the “Stephane Dion’s Liberal Leaders Dinner” event of February 21, 2008, which accepted corporate money though the federal branch of the Liberal Party of Canada in Saskatchewan, the Halloween Spooktacular Carnival in Mississauga-Streetsville of October 26, 2007, which accepted corporate sponsors, and other prior events, potentially violate the Canada Elections Act by encouraging and allowing personal donations in excess of 1,100$, as well as allowing and encouraging political donations from corporations, unions and associations.

It was agreed, — That in relation to the motion adopted by the Committee concerning funding practices of the Liberal Party, that the Committee proceed with the study immediately.

At 5:19 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.