Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

January 11, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement upon releasing the report by Professor David Johnston, the independent advisor to the government on the allegations of financial dealings between Karlheinz Schreiber and the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney:

"I would like to thank Professor David Johnston for his impartial advice on how the Government should proceed.

After reviewing the report and consulting Professor Johnston, the Government has decided to convene a public inquiry once the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics has finished its hearings.

This will ensure that the public inquiry will usefully build on any testimony heard by the Ethics Committee.

I have also asked Professor Johnston to finalize his recommendations on the terms of reference for the public inquiry on an expedited basis once the Committee has completed its work. I am pleased that he has agreed to do so."

The report of the Independent Advisor into the Allegations Respecting Financial Dealings Between Mr. Karlheinz Schreiber and the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney can be found on the PCO website: www.pco-bcp.gc.ca

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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