May 5, 2004 (Ottawa): Mr. Justice John H. Gomery, appointed as Commissioner under Part 1 of the Inquiries Act, to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities, will deliver his Opening Statement on Friday, May 7, 2004, at 10 a.m., at the Government Conference Centre. Mr. Gomery will present the Commission's mandate, its tentative schedule, the rules of procedure, and the process for seeking standing and participant funding.

On May 6, in advance of Mr. Justice Gomery's Opening Statement, a representative for the Commission will conduct a technical background briefing at which media logistics and procedures for the Opening Statement as well as the June public hearings will be outlined.

For further information contact:

François Perreault
(613) 230-2220, ext. 225