THE LATEST | CANADAThe independence of Canadian law enforcement is under fire as both a watchdog group and the Official Opposition leader allege that officials covered up for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in two major scandals.
Democracy Watch has issued a press release demanding the Ontario Attorney General appoint an independent special prosecutor to review the decision to halt the prosecution of Trudeau in the SNC-Lavalin scandal. The group claims the initial decision, made in private, used an incorrect legal standard and perpetuates a cover-up that began with Trudeau’s Cabinet and extended through the RCMP’s “weak” investigation. Democracy Watch argues this situation highlights the need for an independent federal anti-corruption police and prosecution force.
Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has accused the RCMP’s leadership of being “despicable” and covering up for the Liberal government, stating that Trudeau would have been criminally charged in both the SNC-Lavalin affair and the 2016 Aga Khan vacation scandal if the police force had done its job.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme vehemently defended his team and denied the allegations of political interference, stating, “I don’t take any orders from any political individual.” Duheme has invited Poilievre to meet with the RCMP leadership.
The RCMP has repeatedly stated there was insufficient evidence to lay charges in the SNC-Lavalin affair, and an internal review of the Aga Khan vacation ultimately decided against a criminal probe due to a legal nuance. In both cases, the former ethics commissioner found that Trudeau breached the Conflict of Interest Act by attempting to influence the justice minister in the SNC-Lavalin case and by accepting the free Aga Khan vacation.
TCE