Bernier Gone
Embattled Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier has resigned from cabinet over a security breach involving classified documents, Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters on Monday.
Not that leaving classified information lying around unsecured isn't a serious issue, but something tells me that wasn't the real reason Mr. Bernier fell on his sword.
He has been in a weakened position in recent weeks since a gaffe in April during a visit to Afghanistan, where he publicly suggested the removal of the governor of Kandahar.
Earlier this month, the federal government was forced to rent a Russian cargo jet to ship helicopters to Burma to deliver aid after Bernier publicly promised the Canadian military's new C-17 transports, none of which were immediately available.
He also has been under fire for his involvement with his former girlfriend, Julie Couillard, who has links to the criminal biker underworld.
Montreal newspaper Le Devoir reported Monday that Couillard, who was once married to a biker, is the head of a high-tech firm that has been involved in airport security.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe rejected Harper's contention that Bernier's resignation had nothing to do with Couillard's highly anticipated interview on Monday night with private television network TVA.
Duceppe said many questions remain unanswered, including how "people with very strange pasts" can bid on government contracts for airport security.
Safe bet that Bernier's resignation is an attempt to ensure such questions remain unanswered.
