Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Can this Country Have No Colour At All?

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER

May 26, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement:

“Earlier this evening, I accepted the resignation of Maxime Bernier as
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Last night, Maxime Bernier became aware that he had left classified
government documents at a private residence earlier this spring. I
became aware of this security breach late this afternoon.

The documents in question have been returned to the Government of Canada
and Mr. Bernier deeply regrets this error.

I have asked Minister David Emerson to take on additional duties as
Minister of Foreign Affairs on an interim basis. I have also asked
Minister Josée Verner to take on additional duties for La Francophonie.”

A copy of Mr. Bernier’s letter of resignation is attached.




* * * *


The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister
Room 313-S, Centre Block
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6


Prime Minister,

This is to inform you that I am resigning my post as Minister of Foreign
Affairs, effective immediately.

I informed you late this afternoon that last night I became aware that I
had left behind classified government documents at a private residence.

Prime Minister, the security breach that occurred was my fault and my
fault alone and I take full responsibility for my actions.
I have asked the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
to conduct a thorough review of the situation.

Thank you for the trust you have shown in me. I will do everything I can
to serve the government well in my capacity as Member of Parliament.

Yours truly,


Maxime Bernier