Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to say a few words about the legal opinion which has been referred to in this House over the last few days. First of all, Mr. Speaker, I must say that I am glad that this document will be tabled in the House later today so that the public can have the opportunity to read and judge for themselves. I appreciate the Member for offering to do so.

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, each member of the AOC was given a copy of this opinion. I had the opportunity to read the nine page opinion several times last night. Given all that has been said, and what information is out there in the public, and the seriousness of the allegations against the government and the individual in question, I feel that it is important for me to state for the record what I get out of reading it. I also feel that it is important that I let the public and my constituents of Range Lake know that there are differing opinions on this side of the House about this issue.

Based on my knowledge of the law, Mr. Speaker, and having discussed this issue with the Members and the legal advisor, I believe the opinion does not provide evidence that Cabinet has broken its own law. Nor does it suggest that there has been any legal conflict of interest arising out of the appointment in question. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I believe the evidence suggests a position to the contrary.

Mr. Speaker, we as Members enjoy a wide degree of freedom of speech in this House. The privilege and the immunity that comes with this privilege is necessary for us to do your job. It is very important that we take care of it. I believe any privilege as such comes with responsibility to use it wisely. We have the obligation to use it fairly and accurately, especially when it comes to the reputation of individuals who do not have the power or privilege to answer for themselves. Mr. Speaker, I am very saddened by what has gone on in this House over the last few days. I believe that we have, as a collective, been diminished by the experience and I want to state that for the record, for the benefit of my constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.