Opposition parties say Boissonnault’s former business partner is in contempt of Parliament

Calls for federal cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault’s former business partner to be found in contempt of Parliament are mounting.

This week, the federal NDP and Bloc Québécois backed a Conservative effort to find Stephen Anderson in contempt because he did not produce documents and information requested by the ethics committee.

Earlier this summer, Anderson was ordered to submit his call logs and texts, as well as the identity of the person he referred to as “Randy” in text messages from September 2022.

Opposition parties want the House of Commons to use its power to compel Anderson to produce outstanding information with respect to allegations that Boissonnault broke ethics rules by being involved with a business deal while in office.

Employment Minister Boissonnault denies the allegations and has said he is not the “Randy” referenced in text messages. Canada’s ethics commissioner has also said he considers the matter closed after reviewing the Boissonnault’s call logs.

However, opposition MPs have criticized the scope of the commissioner’s powers and remain steadfast in seeking information from Anderson.

Tory ethics critic Michael Barrett raised a “question of privilege” in the House of Commons last week, arguing Anderson’s refusal to hand over documents violated the committee’s parliamentary privilege — that is, the right of the committee to fulfil their functions unimpeded.

It was taken under advice by the Speaker, effectively triggering the parliamentary process.

NDP ethics critic Matthew Green rose on a point of order on Monday in support of Barrett’s question of privilege.

“This House must uphold the authority to protect our parliamentary privilege in order to ensure accountability and transparency in all matters of