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