Minister of National Defence
As Minister of Defence Collenette oversaw the reorganization, restructuring and re-engineering of the department as part of the federal government's deficit cutting. During this time the Canadian Forces were involved in challenging assignments in the Balkans, Haiti and Somalia.
During his tenure, Collenette was at the centre of the controversy over the Somalia Affair. He was especially challenged on the government's decision to curtail the inquiry into the affair.
During an interview on CTV Television, Collenette sought to correct those who suggested that he supported General Jean Boyle who was fighting to save his career amidst allegations he oversaw the alteration of documents. As Commissioner Peter Desbarats later summarised, he indicated "{Collenette} perhaps has already decided to sacrifice Boyle in order to protect himself".
In October 1996, Collenette resigned from cabinet citing a letter that he had written on behalf of a constituent. An access to information request revealed Collenette broke ethical guidelines by writing the letter to the Immigration and Refugee Board. Collenette cited this violation as his official reason for resigning from cabinet but his resignation also served to remove him from the ongoing Somalia Affair controversy.
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