Statement by the Honourable John Duncan

Ref. #2-3759

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (February 15, 2013) – Member of Parliament John Duncan today issued the following statement:

“In June of 2011 I wrote a character reference letter to the Tax Court of Canada on behalf of an individual to whom my constituency staff was providing casework assistance on a Canada Revenue Agency matter.

While the letter was written with honourable intentions, I realize that it was not appropriate for me, as a Minister of the Crown, to write to the Tax Court. I have therefore offered my resignation as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to the Prime Minister, which he has accepted.

I take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences they have brought.

It has been an honour to serve in the Cabinet and I thank the Prime Minister for placing his confidence in me on this most important file. I have every confidence that the Government will reach its goal of improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples across our country.

I pledge that I will continue to work hard on behalf of the constituents of Vancouver Island North as their elected representative in Ottawa.”

 

For more information, please contact:

Jason MacDonald
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
819-997-0002
Jason.macdonald@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

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