In this episode, we hear from former MP for Dalmalling North, Michael Culvert, who says he will be sitting as an independent in the House of Commons as an investigation continues into the allegations made against him.
00:00:00.000I rise on a point of order. I have informed the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Liberal Party Caucus that I will be sitting as an independent at the conclusion of these remarks.
00:00:12.480Mr. Speaker, I am in your hands as to what happens next.
00:00:16.200To all my colleagues in the Parliament, media reports today quoted unverified and anonymous sources have attacked my reputation and called into question my loyalty to Canada.
00:00:30.000Let me be clear. What has been reported is false, and I will defend myself against these absolutely untrue claims.
00:00:42.820But let me assure you, as a Parliamentarian and as a person, I have never and I will never and would never advocate or support the violation of the basic human rights of any Canadian, of anyone, anywhere, period.
00:01:07.880The accusations are false. My family came to Canada for freedom.
00:01:14.580I have had the privilege of being elected to this House, and I believe I have served honourably and pledged to continue to serve honourably and fulfil my oath of office.
00:01:25.820I will continue to serve the residents of Down Valley North as an independent member of this House.
00:01:33.640I am taking this extraordinary step because to sit in the Government Caucus is a privilege,
00:01:41.900and my presence there may be seen by some as a conflict of duty and the wrong place to be as an independent investigation pursues the facts in this matter.
00:01:56.360I will be sitting as an independent so that the business of government and indeed the business of Parliament is not interrupted as I work to clear my name and the truth is presented to Parliament and to Canadian people.
00:02:12.140I am a proud Liberal, and I am proud of the work our government does day in and day out to serve the people of Canada.
00:02:25.140I also don't want to distract from that important work.
00:02:32.140Before concluding, I want to assure Mr. Michael Spavart and Mr. Michael Culvert and their families that I did nothing to cause them any harm.
00:02:46.140Like everyone in this House, I worked hard and advocated for their interests as a Parliamentarian.
00:02:55.140The allegations made against me are as false as the ones made against you.
00:03:01.140To my constituents, I will continue to work on your behalf as your Member of Parliament.