Bernier takes 'sole responsibility' for actions

Former foreign affairs minister Maxime Bernier said he is taking full responsibility for the security breach that led to his resignation, adding he will continue to act as an MP for Quebec.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Bernier was stepping down because he committed a security error when he inadvertently left classified documents at the home of his ex-girlfriend, Julie Couillard, in April.

"Last Monday, I informed the prime minister of my resignation as Canada's minister of foreign affairs as soon as I became aware of a security breach whereby I forgot confidential government documents at Ms. Julie Couillard's residence," Bernier said in a statement released Wednesday. "With humility, I take full and sole responsibility for my actions."

"I also express regret over the negative impact caused by recent events on Ms. Couillard's private life. Furthermore, I refuse to discuss private affairs in a public forum."

Bernier said the Tories can "always count on my loyalty" and that he will "perform my functions of Member of Parliament for Beauce with commitment, conviction and integrity."

"I will continue to serve and represent them with honour and pride."

Bernier's statement comes as federal opposition leaders continue to call for an inquiry, a police investigation or some sort of formal probe into the security breach.

During the question period in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion called the incident an "international black eye."

Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh asked Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day to confirm whether the prime minister's office and CSIS held meetings between May 1 and May 8 to " to discuss the conduct of his foreign affairs minister."

But Day said Dosanjh would have to be "naive" to think meetings between CSIS and the prime minister would be made public.

Day later told reporters that no such meeting ever took place.