Mr. Champagne dismissed suggestions that he made the decision because of concerns that the optics were “problematic,” responding to a question from NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, B.C.).
“I took out a mortgage many years ago with a bank in London, that’s what I’ve disclosed,” he said to Mr. Davies. “I feel very transparent, because as a lawyer, I take my ethical responsibility very carefully. I read the letter of the law at all times. This is a bank in London, with branches in London.”