Happier Times for Ralph Goodale ^^^^

A very sombre Jack Layton just nailed the whole Goodale-Income Trust Fund issue on the head: as Minister of Finance, he is responsible and accountable for everything that occurs in his Department, good, bad, right, and wrong. This is one of the many things that I learned this past semester in my Canadian Politics seminar. It applied to Alphonso Gagliano during the sponsorship scandal, and should it be revealed that someone in his Department leaked the information, it will apply to him as well.
The same goes if it turns out that someone from the PMO leaked the information. This is something that has come up in recent hours as well. If Mr. Goodale isn't being investigated by the RCMP, and the Prime Minister is unwilling or unable to discuss the matter in public, it is natural that some will speculate that the investigation is into the Langevin Block as well.
As we have seen in the United States, when politicians are even accused of wrongs on this level, it is usually enough to sink their careers. Tom DeLay can attest to that. I have met Ralph Goodale, he has a tremendous track record as being a man of integrity who will work hard for his constituents and his country. It is unfortunate that he is embroiled in this scandal, because I would love to believe him at his word when he says that he did not know of any leak and did not participate in any leak of "insider" information regarding his "fiscal update" and income trusts. However, ministerial responsibility and accountability dictates the rules, not emotions or sentiments, and for that reason, it is right and proper for Goodale to resign his position until the RCMP investigation is completed.