November 01, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced a series of immediate steps the government is taking in response to the first report of the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice John Gomery.

“We now have the first of two reports from the commission. I accept its findings in full,” the Prime Minister said. “Canadians must be able to have faith in the integrity of government and in the people who administer it. In this case, that means finding out what went wrong and repairing the system to prevent it from happening again.”

Building on the measures put in place since February 2004 to hold to account those responsible for the mismanagement of the sponsorship program, the Prime Minister today ordered the following further actions:

• that Justice Gomery’s report be immediately referred to the RCMP for its consideration in its on-going investigation;

• that 12 additions be made to the list of individuals and companies from which the federal government is seeking to recover a total of $57 million in public funds that were obtained fraudulently; and

• that the Chairs and Boards of affected Crown corporations take all appropriate administrative or civil actions against current and former employees who were involved.

“We look forward to receiving Justice Gomery’s second report in February,” the Prime Minister added. “Since taking office, the government has worked hard to rebuild the trust of Canadians. His recommendations will help to ensure the integrity of government.”

Return to regular web page:
http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&Page=archivemartin&Sub=newscommuniques&Doc=news_release_20051101_622_e.htm