On December 16, 1987 Transport Minister John Crosbie wrote to John Sopinka asking for "policy and policy-related advice in respect of the proposed Act relating to the Multimodal Transportation Accident Investigation Board". (see Exhibit 41) On February 3, 1988 after completing his review, Sopinka responded to Crosbie with his report. Here are a few extracts of what Sopinka had to say about the CASB:

"...the CASB is not operating as a cohesive unit.. ."

".. it has become fractious to the extent that some of its members are in open conflict with the Chairman and there is a rift between members and the accident investigators who view themselves as independent of the Board members".

"The result of this dissension is that many members of the Board feel powerless to carry out their mandate. On occasion some of the Board members have been unable to obtain investigation of facts which they consider essential in order to carry out their functions". (see Exhibit 41)

The key element in Sopinka's report apart from the division and dissension is the fact that investigators have kept vital evidence and information away from some of the Board members. What are they hiding? Why are they withholding facts from board members charged with reporting to Parliament on their findings? Did the minister order an inquiry into this matter upon receiving Sopinka's report?