Queen’s University political studies professor emeritus Ned Franks is available to talk about the future of International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda, who admitted yesterday she altered a document.

Dr. Franks, one of Canada’s leading scholars on Parliamentary issues, says that because Ms. Oda was not honest, she may face contempt of Parliament charges.

“My belief is she has to go. There is no excuse for what she did. She altered a document to misrepresent a recommendation – and then she claimed she hadn’t done it. Those are two of the worst offences a minister can do,” says Dr. Franks. “She may resign but the House of Commons might still find her guilty of contempt of Parliament. The last time somebody was found guilty of contempt of Parliament was in 1913, almost a century ago. It’s a very rare thing.”

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