Wood supports government action on Gagliano-gate

Nipissing MP Bob Wood says he fully supports the government action announced yesterday on the latest Auditor General’s report into the sponsorship program in Quebec. Sheila Fraser was asked to investigate the quarter-billion dollar federal controversy.

The first casualty from the report was Alfonso Gagliano, who was Public Works Minister at the time of the program, Wood said.

Gagliano was relieved of his duties and named ambassador to Denmark. But Prime Minister Paul Martin yesterday ordered Gagliano fired from that position.

“It’s great news that the government is taking decisive action to uncover what happened and ensure that it never happens again,” Wood said.

"The independent commission of public inquiry that was ordered by Prime Minister Martin is only one step in a long list of government actions that are proposed by the Liberals.”

Other measures include a special counsel for financial recovery, new whistleblower legislation, and the strengthening of the Financial Administration Act.

Wood is also pleased that, “The government has set down measures that will recover lost funds, hold those responsible to account, and answer remaining questions concerning the management of the sponsorship program.”