Cummins applied to appear before the Commission on June 7th in order to present information and evidence to the Commission concerning the use of the anti-malaria drug mefloquine by Canadian Forces personnel in Somalia and its relevance in the case of Kyle Brown. Yesterday Cummins was advised by Commission Counsel that his application had been denied.

The Delta M.P. has been a longstanding vocal advocate of a full, public inquiry into the Canadian mission in Somalia. While the Commission acknowledged that Cummins may have information "which may be helpful to the Commission," they recommended that he present his information to Commission Counsel who would "review it for its relevancy" and then determine whether to file "all, part or any of that information with the Commission."

"I find it unacceptable that Commission Counsel wants to edit my presentation to the Commission," said Cummins. "Such actions border on censorship." "if I, as a Member of Parliament with information relevant to this Inquiry, have been denied the opportunity to appear, it raises questions in my mind about the credibility of the entire process," continued the M.P.