Moments after a closed-door grilling in the House of Commons, former Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe said he is "completely comfortable" with his decision to use House of Commons funds to pay the salary of a Bloc executive.
Duceppe stepped down from his role at the helm of the party last spring after the Bloc was essentially vanquished in Quebec, losing official party status in the House of Commons while the NDP saw historic gains.
Duceppe returned to Ottawa Monday to face questioning by the Board of Internal Economy -- the Commons' secretive governing body -- over his handling of the partisan employee's salary.
"I am completely comfortable because I have respected all the rules and the ethical regulations," Duceppe told reporters after the meeting.
He wouldn't comment on the questioning he faced in-camera, however, saying he would not discuss the details until after the board has issued a verdict.
Duceppe said his lawyers' legal opinion is that he respected the rules of the House of Commons and has nothing to worry about.
Duceppe had appeared to be on track to make a run for the leadership of the provincial Parti Quebecois. However, he recently announced a change of heart -- a decision some believe came as a result of the recent controversy stemming from his time in federal office.
Duceppe was leader of the federal separatist party for almost 15 years, and was an MP in the House of Commons for over 20 years until he lost his seat in the May 2011 federal election.
