“NOT” A MISTAKE A MINISTER SHOULD MAKE: HILL

October 31, 2001

OTTAWA-PC DR Coalition Solicitor General Critic, Jay Hill rose during question period to ask the government why they won’t consider arming customs and immigration officials responsible for boarder security. Opposition MP’s were clearly “NOT” prepared for the response Minister of National Revenue, Martin Cauchon , who stated: 

“In my mind there is no question that the customs officers will be receiving sidearms. Notwithstanding that fact, I would like to tell the House that there is a risk assessment analysis which is taking place at the present time, but as far as I am concerned with the risk assessment that I have seen previously, there is no question we will give sidearms to the customs officers.” 

The shock resonating through the Opposition side of the House was apparently also felt by the Government as a team of Ministers, including Sheila Copps, Laurence MacAualy, Anne McLellan and Robert Nault clambered to sort out the debacle of the surprise Ministerial announcement. 

Minutes later, in a response to a question as to whether Park Wardens would be included in the arming of federal employees, Minister Cauchon did “NOT”  have the same answer: 

“Mr. Speaker, what I said about customs officers, I would like to be more precise. I forgot to mention the "NOT" which is very important indeed. We are NOT going to give sidearms to the customs officers as far as I am concerned.” 

Evidently “NOT” a good day for the Minister, undoubtedly “NOT” one that he will forget any time soon.