Conservative MP David Anderson from Saskatchewan says Mary Jean McFall,
chief of staff for Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAuley, faces perjury
allegations.
She was in court in Toronto on Monday.
This is Monday’s exchange during Question Period in the House of Commons:
Anderson: Mr. Speaker, the agriculture
minister is silent on another issue, as well. His chief of staff is a failed
Liberal candidate who owns $140 million worth of egg quota. Canadians shake
their heads because the minister has blindly and blatantly ignored this obvious
conflict of interest. This week, his chief of staff Mary Jean McFall, (daughter
of Joe Hudson who owns Burnbrae Farms) faces allegations in court of perjury
over the purchase of egg quota and egg grading. This is an issue of integrity.
When did the minister find out about this court case and why has he not removed
her as chief of staff?
Hon.
Lawrence MacAulay (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I am certainly
pleased to serve in a cabinet that works for every region in the country.
Without a doubt, it is an asset to serve in a cabinet that works for every
region. They help me and I help them. My chief of staff is an outstanding
member of her community, is a successful lawyer and businesswoman, and has been
named the citizen of the year in her community. She has deep commitment to
Canadian agriculture and Canadian service. I am fortunate to have her. So
is Canadian agriculture.