July 5, 2004 (Ottawa): Mr. Justice John H. Gomery has released his decision concerning the requests for standing that were presented to him during public hearings held on June 21 and 22 at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa. There were fifteen applications from individuals and organizations to participate in the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities.

The revised definitions of "standing" are included in the Rules of Procedure and Practice which are available on the Commission's Web site. A "full standing participant" will now be referred to as a Party. A "partial standing participant" will now be referred to as an Intervenor.

Justice Gomery has granted Party standing to: the Attorney General of Canada, Canada Post Corporation, Via Rail Canada, The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, The Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, Mr. Charles Guité, Mr. Jean Lafleur, Mr. Jean Pelletier, Mr. Ranald Quail and, the Business Development Bank of Canada. In his decision, Justice Gomery stated that these "persons or organizations have rights, privileges or interests that may be affected by the subject matter of the Inquiry sufficient to warrant being granted Party standing, and will be entitled in each case to participate fully in the Inquiry with respect to the matters relevant to their interests."

Justice Gomery granted Intervenor standing to: B.C.P. Ltd., the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, the Public Service Integrity Officer, the Conservative Party of Canada and, the Bloc Québécois. In his ruling, Justice Gomery found that these applicants "have clearly ascertainable interests and perspectives essential to the Commission's mandate." He added that, should circumstances change during the course of the Inquiry, he would be prepared to reconsider his decision on the issues of standing.

Funding to participate in the Inquiry will be available for qualified individuals and organizations that have been granted either Party or Intervenor standing. Applications for funding must be submitted to the Commission by July 12. Funding guidelines are available on the Commission's Web site under Rules of Procedure and Practice.

The complete version of the ruling on standing is available on the Commission's Web site at www.gomery.ca.

For further information, please contact:

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