March 25, 2004 (Ottawa): The Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities announced today that Mr. Justice John H. Gomery, appointed as Commissioner pursuant to Part I of the Inquiries Act to conduct an independent public inquiry, will deliver his Opening Statement on Friday, May 7, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the Government Conference Centre, Main Hall (2 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario).

Mr. Justice Gomery will review the Commission's mandate, its tentative schedule, the rules of procedure and the process for seeking standing and participant funding.

The Commission will convene public hearings from June 21 to 23, 2004, at the Government Conference Centre, for the purpose of receiving oral submissions from persons and organizations who have applied in writing pursuant to the rules of procedure for standing before the Commission for the purpose of participation in the Inquiry.

Evidentiary public hearings will start on September 7, 2004, at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa, and will continue on or about February 8, 2005, at Guy-Favreau Complex, 200 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, in Montreal.

For further information contact:

Sheila-Marie Cook
(613) 992-1834