OTTAWA – In his first foray before the microphones after being sworn in as the new federal MP for Vaughn, former OPP chief Julian Fantino said as little as possible, other than to boost the government’s Conservative law-and-order agenda.

Flanked by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, a former Manitoba crown attorney, Fantino was asked about Opposition demands that all costs associated with the G20 summit in Toronto be made public.

Fantino dismissed the Opposition’s criticisms as “just a red herring.”

“All of those issues were addressed, they’re addressed, it’s totally transparent and there’s no way in any way, shape or form that those criticisms were valid.”

Toews interjected as reporters tried to ask Fantino a follow-up. “Look, we’ve indicated very clearly that those numbers are going to be available to the press.”

“The by-election is over. Mr. Fantino is here. The numbers are coming,” said Toews. “Relax.”

Pressed further, Toews would only respond the tallies would be made public “soon.”

Fantino said he was “very pleased” to be “part of the Harper team with respect to supporting some of the very critical pieces of legislation going forward.”

He pointed to his policing experience and “commended” the Harper government and echoed Toews’ criticisms of the Opposition for “frustrating” the progress of government justice bills that he said would make a “significant difference” to public safety and “quality of life” in Canada.

However Conservative House leader John Baird adopted an entirely different tone Tuesday, saying he was “very pleased” the government had successfully passed “a good number of justice bills” this fall and had had a “very productive session.”

Fantino was also asked to address allegations by Tony Genco, his Liberal opponent in Vaughn, that Genco was dismissed from the board of York Central Hospital for political reasons, as reported in the Star Wednesday

Genco says he believes that the board dismissed him because he was deemed a “political liability” since the regional board needed to facilitate relations with the federal Tories to obtain funds for a new hospital.

Asked whether he couldn’t get along with Genco on the board, Fantino said he learned “long ago not to answer what-if questions. I’ve no knowledge or experience or involvement in any of that. Thank you.”

Fantino refused to answer whether he will support the government’s efforts to kill the long-gun registry – which has long been supported by Canadian police chiefs.

His much-touted arrival on Parliament Hill was brief. Fantino turned and was whisked away from further questions by the minister and at least two aides.