David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
Methinks I should dare anyone to ask me why I am well aware Michael Wernick was Deputy Minister of Aboriginal and Northern affairs under Harper Anyone can Google Michael Wernick and David Amos N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/02/top-civil-servant-slams-snc-lavalin.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lametti-justice-committee-snc-lavalin-1.5027617
Top civil servant slams SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Commenting is now closed for this story.
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Don Cameron
Lametti was hand selected by Trudeau to 'smooth the way' for SNC to get their DPA.
I don't expect the committee will get much that's useful out of him. He's Trudeau's boy.
I don't expect the committee will get much that's useful out of him. He's Trudeau's boy.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Don Cameron
You will say that about anyone who doesnt say exactly what you want to hear. That is precisely why this is a witch hunt.
JWR as Attorney General had the responsibility to report any crime committed to the RCMP and she didnt. If she felt the pressure from the PMO was "improper" while really cares if a law wasn't broken?
Are we to be so naive to think the Prime Minister isn't going to make a case for following his directive?
This is the dumbest "scandal" ever
You will say that about anyone who doesnt say exactly what you want to hear. That is precisely why this is a witch hunt.
JWR as Attorney General had the responsibility to report any crime committed to the RCMP and she didnt. If she felt the pressure from the PMO was "improper" while really cares if a law wasn't broken?
Are we to be so naive to think the Prime Minister isn't going to make a case for following his directive?
This is the dumbest "scandal" ever
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Troy Mann
If Canadians truly believe this isn’t a glorified election ad for the Conservative Party, at the cost of eroding trust in our justice system...
...naive is exactly the right word.
If Canadians truly believe this isn’t a glorified election ad for the Conservative Party, at the cost of eroding trust in our justice system...
...naive is exactly the right word.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Matt Thuaii
Conservatives under the Harper banner have never cared about eroding trust in our justice system. 10 years of Harper scandals and judgments against him were all because of "liberal activist judges legislating from the bench"... There entire motive is to eliminate trust in the justice system so they can remove our freedoms and rights..
Sheer has already stated clearly he doesnt care about any judge standing in the way of a pipeline, they will bulldoze through no matter what the courts say or the people do...
Conservatives under the Harper banner have never cared about eroding trust in our justice system. 10 years of Harper scandals and judgments against him were all because of "liberal activist judges legislating from the bench"... There entire motive is to eliminate trust in the justice system so they can remove our freedoms and rights..
Sheer has already stated clearly he doesnt care about any judge standing in the way of a pipeline, they will bulldoze through no matter what the courts say or the people do...
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Neil Turv
Neil Turv
@Matt Thuaii
The real question is how did they get the independent indigenous senators, the NDP and the Globe and Mail to work for them.
One of those questions none of the hyper partisans on the Liberal side can answer, along with what happened to Trudeau's promise not to bury things in Omnibus bills, why did Butts coincidentally resign right after this allegation broke, etc. etc.
I'm not saying Trudeau's guilty, but pretending the reaction (from all sides of the political spectrum) is unwarranted baseless smearing all for the gains of the Cons is about as believable as someone claiming Harper is a nice, affable guy.
Hold your leader of choice to the same standards you hold those you don't support.
The real question is how did they get the independent indigenous senators, the NDP and the Globe and Mail to work for them.
One of those questions none of the hyper partisans on the Liberal side can answer, along with what happened to Trudeau's promise not to bury things in Omnibus bills, why did Butts coincidentally resign right after this allegation broke, etc. etc.
I'm not saying Trudeau's guilty, but pretending the reaction (from all sides of the political spectrum) is unwarranted baseless smearing all for the gains of the Cons is about as believable as someone claiming Harper is a nice, affable guy.
Hold your leader of choice to the same standards you hold those you don't support.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Neil Turv
Michael Wernick was deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for the entire Harper tenure...
Are you going to say he is a liberal? Are you going to say the first non partisan witness is lying under oath?
Michael Wernick was deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for the entire Harper tenure...
Are you going to say he is a liberal? Are you going to say the first non partisan witness is lying under oath?
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Neil Turv
That’s the real question? First, I’ll happily shatter your claim that no one can explain it, because I can (not that I’m hyper partisan, which is just as ludicrous a claim as that “question” being “real”). Indigenous senators care about Indigenous issues. They want to make this an “indigenous” issue (even though Jody Wilson Raybould does not), because if it is, they get to talk about it, even use it for their own purposes (whatever those are). The NDP is on board because they’re politically “lost in the wilderness”, and they’ll run with any wedge that gets them votes (like any party would)...and as for the Globe and Mail? You don’t understand why a media outlet (especially one struggling for relevance in the internet age) would run a story they know will ignite the exact situation we’re watching unfold? During the lead up to an election?
None of these parties are working for anyone; just like the Conservatives, they’re all in it for themselves.
That’s the real question? First, I’ll happily shatter your claim that no one can explain it, because I can (not that I’m hyper partisan, which is just as ludicrous a claim as that “question” being “real”). Indigenous senators care about Indigenous issues. They want to make this an “indigenous” issue (even though Jody Wilson Raybould does not), because if it is, they get to talk about it, even use it for their own purposes (whatever those are). The NDP is on board because they’re politically “lost in the wilderness”, and they’ll run with any wedge that gets them votes (like any party would)...and as for the Globe and Mail? You don’t understand why a media outlet (especially one struggling for relevance in the internet age) would run a story they know will ignite the exact situation we’re watching unfold? During the lead up to an election?
None of these parties are working for anyone; just like the Conservatives, they’re all in it for themselves.
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Edward Peter
Edward Peter
@Don Cameron
If you believe that then all the people elected are on the take, and you should find our self an Island.
If you believe that then all the people elected are on the take, and you should find our self an Island.
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Karen King
Karen King
@Troy Mann
cons don't care about the law it seems, Andy keeps calling for the government to go over the law...the con way
cons don't care about the law it seems, Andy keeps calling for the government to go over the law...the con way
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Karen King
Karen King
@Neil Turv
Butts resigned simply because he has always advocated that if there is an accusation about someone they should step down until cleared, showing at least he is not a hypocrite
Butts resigned simply because he has always advocated that if there is an accusation about someone they should step down until cleared, showing at least he is not a hypocrite
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David Allan
David Allan
@Don Cameron
Who better to do that than a member of the Conservative Party of Canada?
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006 – July 11, 2014
Who better to do that than a member of the Conservative Party of Canada?
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006 – July 11, 2014
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Edith Grey
Edith Grey
@David Allan
Do you know what a Deputy Minister is? Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
Do you know what a Deputy Minister is? Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
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Darren MacDonald
Darren MacDonald
@Edith Grey He was also
deputy clerk under Janice Charette during Paul Martin's term so he was a
Liberal using others' logic. Maybe he is a Libervative.
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Jack Slate
Jack Slate
Whether Warnick is con or lib
is irrelevant. What is important to note that Warnick called JWR in
December to give her "context" regarding the negative results of not
giving snc a pass. He's knee deep in this scandal and his testimony
appears motivated by his own self-defence.
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Neil Turv
Neil Turv
@Matt Thuaii
I'm sorry but the mindset that "everyone who dares challenge my narrative is colluding and in it for selfish gains." Is exactly why I find this so amusing and why the claims you are not a hyper partisan.,
The notion that any one major party in Canada is inherently evil, bad or out to destroy Canada....Any party, puts you into the hyper partisan category.
I'm sorry but the mindset that "everyone who dares challenge my narrative is colluding and in it for selfish gains." Is exactly why I find this so amusing and why the claims you are not a hyper partisan.,
The notion that any one major party in Canada is inherently evil, bad or out to destroy Canada....Any party, puts you into the hyper partisan category.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
The thought of another ANTI SCIENCE ANTI CLIMATE change right wing government back in power, will make any REASONABLE Canadian , give Trudeau the benefit of the doubt.
The thought of another ANTI SCIENCE ANTI CLIMATE change right wing government back in power, will make any REASONABLE Canadian , give Trudeau the benefit of the doubt.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
IN the MEANTIME lets hope the NDP can get the act together, because so far under SINGH , they've done nothing but hide from controversy.
IN the MEANTIME lets hope the NDP can get the act together, because so far under SINGH , they've done nothing but hide from controversy.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
SEEMS everyday virtually ALL the top posts are DISPROPORTIONATE attacks on on Prime Minister, making reasonable people to think this ISN'T representative of the MAJORITY of people who voted for the Liberal Party of Canada.
SEEMS everyday virtually ALL the top posts are DISPROPORTIONATE attacks on on Prime Minister, making reasonable people to think this ISN'T representative of the MAJORITY of people who voted for the Liberal Party of Canada.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
Personally I think the disproportionate number of attacks on our Prime Minister are coming from boilers rooms churning out misinformation and outright belligerence toward our government , probably coming from the Russians or the same mechanism that bringing down the Venezuelan government or both.
Personally I think the disproportionate number of attacks on our Prime Minister are coming from boilers rooms churning out misinformation and outright belligerence toward our government , probably coming from the Russians or the same mechanism that bringing down the Venezuelan government or both.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
YOU"D THINK by the tone and number of attacks on this site everyday, Justin Trudeau hasn't a friend or a supporter, this despite most of the time his poll numbers bouncing around the near 40% AND THAT makes you wonder whats going on.
YOU"D THINK by the tone and number of attacks on this site everyday, Justin Trudeau hasn't a friend or a supporter, this despite most of the time his poll numbers bouncing around the near 40% AND THAT makes you wonder whats going on.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Don Cameron "Lametti was hand selected by Trudeau to 'smooth the way' for SNC to get their DPA"
Methinks you may be correct much to the chagrin of Mr Mann and his cohorts N'esy Pas?
Methinks you may be correct much to the chagrin of Mr Mann and his cohorts N'esy Pas?
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@David Amos
I support the use of DPA to protect innocent Canadian jobs and investors
I support the use of DPA to protect innocent Canadian jobs and investors
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David Amos
David Amos
@Troy Mann Methinks you mean Vestcor N'esy Pas?
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Don Cameron
ONE of the reasons we here in Canada and the United States have such APATHETIC bunch of wilfully uninformed voters , is because in the US CIVICS CLASSES have all been done away with and here in Canada its anemic to say the best AND in both cases I think this deliberate.
ONE of the reasons we here in Canada and the United States have such APATHETIC bunch of wilfully uninformed voters , is because in the US CIVICS CLASSES have all been done away with and here in Canada its anemic to say the best AND in both cases I think this deliberate.
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Roy Decoy
Roy Decoy
@Don Cameron And so is the new Ethic Commissioner...both from PQ
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Daryl McBride
Liberals investigating Liberals and limiting witnesses. What happened to Canada?
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Peter Boone
Peter Boone
@Daryl McBride The Liberals
must take Canadians to be fools to proceed with a farce of this
magnitude. Unfortunately there may still be plenty of fish on their
hooks.
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Gordon McPherson
Gordon McPherson
@Daryl McBride
I know.
"You won't recognize Canada when I'm through with it."
I know.
"You won't recognize Canada when I'm through with it."
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Smith John
Smith John
@Daryl McBride
"Canada is back!"
"Canada is back!"
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Tarl Cabbot
Tarl Cabbot
@Daryl McBride
Limiting witnesses?
How so?
Oh, yeah, wait a minute . . .
The lawyer (David Lametti) will undoubtedly provide reams and reams and reams of unintelligible "fie" print testimony.
That's what lawyers do.
Limiting witnesses?
How so?
Oh, yeah, wait a minute . . .
The lawyer (David Lametti) will undoubtedly provide reams and reams and reams of unintelligible "fie" print testimony.
That's what lawyers do.
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Nico De Jong
Nico De Jong
@Smith John
what he meant was Liberals are back - at the trough, and at their schem ing and conniv ing ways.
Oh, and Liberal arrogance on steroids is back.
what he meant was Liberals are back - at the trough, and at their schem ing and conniv ing ways.
Oh, and Liberal arrogance on steroids is back.
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Chris Harris
Chris Harris
@Daryl McBride
You sound surprised.
You sound surprised.
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Bernie Hunter
Bernie Hunter
@Daryl McBride
Correct. And no more Quebec Prime Ministers.
Correct. And no more Quebec Prime Ministers.
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Art Rowe
Art Rowe
@Tarl Cabbot
LEFT or RIGHT?
That is the question, which side of his mouth is he speaking out of?
LEFT or RIGHT?
That is the question, which side of his mouth is he speaking out of?
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Artie Gibson
Artie Gibson
@Daryl McBride
The Cash Filled Brown Paper Bag Association rules.
The Cash Filled Brown Paper Bag Association rules.
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Jamie Gillis
Jamie Gillis
@Daryl McBride
The uselessness of having Lametti there is rather apparent, from what I can see. Anything to do with the heart of the matter, that is anything between JWR and the PMO, he is only saying he confirm whether any particular meetings even occurred, let alone comment on them. I would think the only questions of possible use might be when he was notified that Trudeau wanted to make him the new AG, if he had any information as to why JWR was being removed, and if the SNC Lavalin affair was brought up in those discussions or other meetings since.
The uselessness of having Lametti there is rather apparent, from what I can see. Anything to do with the heart of the matter, that is anything between JWR and the PMO, he is only saying he confirm whether any particular meetings even occurred, let alone comment on them. I would think the only questions of possible use might be when he was notified that Trudeau wanted to make him the new AG, if he had any information as to why JWR was being removed, and if the SNC Lavalin affair was brought up in those discussions or other meetings since.
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Tarl Cabbot
Tarl Cabbot
@Art Rowe
It is like a game of "Survivor"
Lamentti will protect himself first, and then the PMO, and then SNC
I am sure none of those three lean neither left nor right, but aim toward self preservation, power and profit.
It is like a game of "Survivor"
Lamentti will protect himself first, and then the PMO, and then SNC
I am sure none of those three lean neither left nor right, but aim toward self preservation, power and profit.
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Jamie Gillis
Jamie Gillis
@Jamie Gillis
saying he can't confirm*
saying he can't confirm*
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Daryl McBride
If this is such a massive travesty of justice, and our government is just so compromised, why don’t you take a crack at explaining why SNC Lavalin didn’t get what it wanted in the end?
I’ll go get my popcorn.
If this is such a massive travesty of justice, and our government is just so compromised, why don’t you take a crack at explaining why SNC Lavalin didn’t get what it wanted in the end?
I’ll go get my popcorn.
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Peter Boone
The Conservatives must think Canadians can be cowed like sheep if they think this obvious political attack will resonate all the way to the election...
...scratch that...with all the foreign attacks via social media, shady practices of right-wing funded PR firms, and the willingness of the Conservatives to appeal to the worst in people, it just might.
The Conservatives must think Canadians can be cowed like sheep if they think this obvious political attack will resonate all the way to the election...
...scratch that...with all the foreign attacks via social media, shady practices of right-wing funded PR firms, and the willingness of the Conservatives to appeal to the worst in people, it just might.
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Chris Harris
He sounds poorly informed...
...or maybe just well funded.
He sounds poorly informed...
...or maybe just well funded.
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Doug James
Doug James
@Daryl McBride
This is the new open and transparent Liberal government promised! Do you realize how totally closed and shadowed it was before? Now if we can only get those pesky independent internet sites to stop reporting their version of truth, we could all be full of bliss!
This is the new open and transparent Liberal government promised! Do you realize how totally closed and shadowed it was before? Now if we can only get those pesky independent internet sites to stop reporting their version of truth, we could all be full of bliss!
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Ryan Tasker
Ryan Tasker
@Daryl McBride
Welcome to politics 101... you don't actually have to have proof of wrongdoings to take down your opponents, you simply have to accuse them of something then watch as they scramble.
Welcome to politics 101... you don't actually have to have proof of wrongdoings to take down your opponents, you simply have to accuse them of something then watch as they scramble.
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Leslie Rowen
Leslie Rowen
@Daryl McBride
Justin Trudeau is what happened to Canada. The good news is that the broken parts can be replaced in October.
Justin Trudeau is what happened to Canada. The good news is that the broken parts can be replaced in October.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Daryl McBride
When the witch hunt starts to fall apart as truth comes out conservatives will continue to ignore the facts and sling mud no matter.
When the witch hunt starts to fall apart as truth comes out conservatives will continue to ignore the facts and sling mud no matter.
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Sam Uekel
Sam Uekel
@Daryl McBride
Cons would do the same thing. The sooner lap dogs from either spectrum of the political scale realize this the sooner they can make clear headed decisions come election time.
Cons would do the same thing. The sooner lap dogs from either spectrum of the political scale realize this the sooner they can make clear headed decisions come election time.
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Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
@Daryl McBride Are we pretending this is something new in Canada?
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Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson
@Daryl McBride
the answer you're looking for is defined in your statement.
the answer you're looking for is defined in your statement.
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Ryan Tasker
...or in this case, watching as they provide comprehensive, logical answers to ludicrous, baseless charges from anonymous sources...
...fanned by opposition parties obviously and shamelessly trolling for votes.
...or in this case, watching as they provide comprehensive, logical answers to ludicrous, baseless charges from anonymous sources...
...fanned by opposition parties obviously and shamelessly trolling for votes.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Daryl McBride
Michael Wernick served under Harper as Deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for 10 years...
Waiting for cons to call him out as a "Liberal" as their witch hunt falls a part
Michael Wernick served under Harper as Deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for 10 years...
Waiting for cons to call him out as a "Liberal" as their witch hunt falls a part
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Karen King
Karen King
@Matt Thuaii
OMG yes, this has nothing to do with SNC and all to do with the desperate cons...
OMG yes, this has nothing to do with SNC and all to do with the desperate cons...
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roger murphy
roger murphy
@Troy Mann
Switch hitter?
Switch hitter?
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Edward Peter
Edward Peter
@Daryl McBride
The Head Of the Privy Council, is a 37 year apolitical person, has worked for Both governments, so saying he is Bias, is just wrong.
He said the G&M report is full of holes, and he was there.
Lisa did not Grill anybody, just tried to get people to agree with her view, which they did NOT.
The Head Of the Privy Council, is a 37 year apolitical person, has worked for Both governments, so saying he is Bias, is just wrong.
He said the G&M report is full of holes, and he was there.
Lisa did not Grill anybody, just tried to get people to agree with her view, which they did NOT.
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Gerald Girard
Gerald Girard
@Daryl McBride
Let the woman speak.
Let the woman speak.
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Edward Peter
Edward Peter
@Tarl Cabbot
I should have watch the Questioning on CPAC, like I did.
I should have watch the Questioning on CPAC, like I did.
You are wrong.
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Jack Slate
Jack Slate
Wernick testimony seems to be
self serving as he admits to having a discussion with JWR on the snc
file and the "context" of the prosecution. Sounds like he's just
defending himself rather than having this all seeing proof that nothing
wrong was done.
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David Amos
@Troy Mann "Michael Wernick served under Harper as Deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for 10 years"
Methinks I should double dog dare you to ask me why I am well aware of that fact N'esy Pas?
Methinks I should double dog dare you to ask me why I am well aware of that fact N'esy Pas?
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Edward Peter
Edward Peter
@Leslie Rowen
By a young man, that is running what position 4 premiers handed him and a Faulty news story, great Platform.
By a young man, that is running what position 4 premiers handed him and a Faulty news story, great Platform.
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Gerald Girard
Gerald Girard
@Daryl McBride
The fact that SNC-Lavalin were able to lobby for changes that would save them from prosecution is really all I need to know how this played out.
The fact that SNC-Lavalin were able to lobby for changes that would save them from prosecution is really all I need to know how this played out.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Troy Mann "Waiting for cons to call him out as a "Liberal" as their witch hunt falls a part"
In the "Mean" time methinks anyone can Google Michael Wernick and David Amos N'esy Pas?
In the "Mean" time methinks anyone can Google Michael Wernick and David Amos N'esy Pas?
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Scotty Davidson
Scotty Davidson
@Daryl McBride Omnibus budgets happened, change our laws with no debate or input to or from Canadians.
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bill laplante
bill laplante
@Matt Thuaii Because she got fired for the decision
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Karen King
Karen King
@bill laplante
nope, no one got fired, just posting what you are told??
nope, no one got fired, just posting what you are told??
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Matt Parks
Matt Parks
@Daryl McBride: You can't
honestly think any other party would've done things differently? Every
single federal government, at least in my lifetime, has had some kind of
a scandal like this and tried to cover it up.... What happened to
Canada? Nothing. Same old, same old.
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David Allan
David Allan
@Daryl McBride
That's one way to declare you don't understand how committees are formed in parliament.
Welcome to Canada.
Learn how your country works.
That's one way to declare you don't understand how committees are formed in parliament.
Welcome to Canada.
Learn how your country works.
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David Allan
David Allan
@Daryl McBride
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006[2] – July 11, 2014
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006[2] – July 11, 2014
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Bob Hull
Bob Hull
@Daryl McBride
They learned well from Secret Steve and the gang.
They learned well from Secret Steve and the gang.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Jay michael
Baseless accusations are weak
Baseless accusations are weak
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Phil K'Mee
Phil K'Mee
@Daryl McBride
Liberals.
Liberals.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Troy Mann "Baseless accusations are weak"
Methinks you ignoring my replies is even weaker Too bad so sad for all that one went "Poof" already N'esy Pas?
Methinks you ignoring my replies is even weaker Too bad so sad for all that one went "Poof" already N'esy Pas?
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Art Rowe
Art Rowe
@Daryl McBride
Canada's top public servant says he is worried someone will be assassinated during the coming federal election campaign given the disturbing tenor of recent public discussion.
Humm, more serious than discussing just SNC.
Canada's top public servant says he is worried someone will be assassinated during the coming federal election campaign given the disturbing tenor of recent public discussion.
Humm, more serious than discussing just SNC.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
"Top (INDEPENDENT)civil servant slams SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'. SEEMS we have Russaians meddling in elections again
"Top (INDEPENDENT)civil servant slams SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'. SEEMS we have Russaians meddling in elections again
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
IF JESUS himself said " SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'", these conservatives wouldn't believe, mostly because they wouldn't want to believe.
IF JESUS himself said " SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'", these conservatives wouldn't believe, mostly because they wouldn't want to believe.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
AS for Gerald Butts walking , who knows , long time friends can have spats that damage their relationship.
AS for Gerald Butts walking , who knows , long time friends can have spats that damage their relationship.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
Either way, unless he was Trudeau was to take a gun and shoot someone like Donald says he can with impunity, Canadians will forgive him, because the thought of a Harper government back in power is too much to bare.
Either way, unless he was Trudeau was to take a gun and shoot someone like Donald says he can with impunity, Canadians will forgive him, because the thought of a Harper government back in power is too much to bare.
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Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
@david mccaig how much do you make as a liberal spinster?
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Dennis Quaid
Quote "david mccaig how much do you make as a liberal spinster?"
My friend I wish i could get paid for this, but liberal government are more honest than most and don't need MANUFACTURE consent like some party's do.
Quote "david mccaig how much do you make as a liberal spinster?"
My friend I wish i could get paid for this, but liberal government are more honest than most and don't need MANUFACTURE consent like some party's do.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Dennis Quaid "how much do you make as a liberal spinster?"
Whereas your brother owes me a favour let me know if you get an answer will ya?
Whereas your brother owes me a favour let me know if you get an answer will ya?
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Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
@david mccaig That
implication is very interesting, it would be nice if there was some
truth to it, however, like the current liberal government, it's shrouded
in deception and lies.
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Fred Rickert
Fred Rickert
@Artie Gibson
Wrong party. That was the Conservatives.
Wrong party. That was the Conservatives.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Daryl McBride
Conservatives wanted answers and when they dont like the answers they get they attack an honorable man.
Based on conservatives attacking him here, I hope the RCMP are protecting him
I quote:
"Those are the words that lead to assassination," he said. "I'm worried that somebody's going to get shot this year during the political campaign."
Conservatives wanted answers and when they dont like the answers they get they attack an honorable man.
Based on conservatives attacking him here, I hope the RCMP are protecting him
I quote:
"Those are the words that lead to assassination," he said. "I'm worried that somebody's going to get shot this year during the political campaign."
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Gloria Wangler
Gloria Wangler
@Daryl McBride Liberals are guilty and Canadians know it.
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John Smith
John Smith
@Troy Mann Yes what a
dramatic and over the top attempt to inspire fear and sympathy with that
assassination comment. So pathetic
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James Rielly
James Rielly
@Gloria Wangler Nobody "knows".Gee!what are you,judge ,jury and witness?
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David Amos
David Amos
@Daryl McBride Methinks
somebody should take this old lawyer off to the funny farm for a rest or
at least turn off the mike Nesy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-michael-wernick-partisan-going-be-shot-1.5028503
"I worry about the rising tides of incitements to violence when people use terms like 'treason' and 'traitor' in open discourse. Those are the words that lead to assassination. I'm worried that somebody is going to be shot in this country this year during the political campaign," Wernick said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-michael-wernick-partisan-going-be-shot-1.5028503
"I worry about the rising tides of incitements to violence when people use terms like 'treason' and 'traitor' in open discourse. Those are the words that lead to assassination. I'm worried that somebody is going to be shot in this country this year during the political campaign," Wernick said.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
If conservatives cared one IOTA about Canadians they'd never allow a wreaking ball like Doug Ford to represent their party, but they don't and that's why in all their frustration , Ontarians were forced to support Doug Ford.
If conservatives cared one IOTA about Canadians they'd never allow a wreaking ball like Doug Ford to represent their party, but they don't and that's why in all their frustration , Ontarians were forced to support Doug Ford.
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Jack Black
Jack Black
@Daryl McBride
Its called 'democratic backsliding'
Its called 'democratic backsliding'
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
I come here everyday to counter what I think is a deliberate misinformation campaign and unwarranted attacks on OUR elected government, and what's more I believe the majority is being done by people who aren't even Canadians.
I come here everyday to counter what I think is a deliberate misinformation campaign and unwarranted attacks on OUR elected government, and what's more I believe the majority is being done by people who aren't even Canadians.
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John Oaktree
John Oaktree
@Daryl McBride
OMG!!! The Liberals are following the same rules the Conservatives did when they were in power!!!
OMG!!! The Liberals are following the same rules the Conservatives did when they were in power!!!
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
I'D like to APOLOGIZE to OUR Prime Minister for calling for him to step down , I got caught up in the wave of manufactured hysteria by infotainment outlets that call themselves NEWS
I'D like to APOLOGIZE to OUR Prime Minister for calling for him to step down , I got caught up in the wave of manufactured hysteria by infotainment outlets that call themselves NEWS
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Dave Robertson
Dave Robertson
@Daryl McBride There is no
evidence at all of any wrong doing. Now Doug Ford on the other hand has
scandals on a weekly basis. Why is he still in office?
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
AND I take OFFENCE tthose that come here every and take POT SHOTS at our ELECTED government, for nothing more than to be contrary. I also take great offence at those that come here and imply all politicians are self, , WHICH couldn't any further from the truth. This whole THEME to villainize politicians, is a deliberate attempt to undermine all democracies, for the pleasure of those who'll most likely benefit by it.
AND I take OFFENCE tthose that come here every and take POT SHOTS at our ELECTED government, for nothing more than to be contrary. I also take great offence at those that come here and imply all politicians are self, , WHICH couldn't any further from the truth. This whole THEME to villainize politicians, is a deliberate attempt to undermine all democracies, for the pleasure of those who'll most likely benefit by it.
Scotty Davidson
@Dave Robertson He changed
our criminal code in a omnibus budget so corporations can break our laws
and avoid prosecution. Perhaps you think subverting democracy like that
isn't wrong, but I and many others do.
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Scotty Davidson
Scotty Davidson
@Dave Robertson It was wrong
when Harper did it, it is worse when Trudeau does it... he campaigned on
running a open and transparent government. 500+ omnibus budgets are not
transparent.
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Moira Wilkinson
Moira Wilkinson
@Daryl McBride
Codswallop! He has worked for several governments over the yeast
Codswallop! He has worked for several governments over the yeast
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joseph dover
joseph dover
@Daryl McBride ...and you wondered how they became the 'natural' governing party over time....
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James Holden
James Holden
@Daryl McBride
Wernick is a Conservative.
He was an Conservative MP from 2006- 2014
Wernick is a Conservative.
He was an Conservative MP from 2006- 2014
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Darren MacDonald
Darren MacDonald
@James Holden That's a big facepalm, what riding did he represent? For $1000 Alex, I'll take fake news.
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Robyn Fisher
Robyn Fisher
@James Holden
That is incorrect, James.
That is incorrect, James.
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James Rielly
James Rielly
@David Amos Why?One only has
to look at the USA to see the violence incited by hyper partisanship and
it doesn't take long to find examples.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
ONE of the reasons we here in Canada and the United States have such APATHETIC bunch of wilfully uninformed voters , is because in the US CIVICS CLASSES have all been done away with and here in Canada its anemic to say the best AND in both cases I think this deliberate.
ONE of the reasons we here in Canada and the United States have such APATHETIC bunch of wilfully uninformed voters , is because in the US CIVICS CLASSES have all been done away with and here in Canada its anemic to say the best AND in both cases I think this deliberate.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Daryl McBride
I BELIEVE polling corporations are set up by the establishment to MANUFACTURE CONSENSUS and CONSENT, kinda a biased CHEAT SHEET for low information Canadians.
I BELIEVE polling corporations are set up by the establishment to MANUFACTURE CONSENSUS and CONSENT, kinda a biased CHEAT SHEET for low information Canadians.
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David Amos
@James Rielly "One only has
to look at the USA to see the violence incited by hyper partisanship and
it doesn't take long to find example"
Trust that Mr Wernick knows that I have been investigating murder on both sides of the 49th for many years. Google David Amos wiretap
Trust that Mr Wernick knows that I have been investigating murder on both sides of the 49th for many years. Google David Amos wiretap
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David Amos
David Amos
@James Rielly FYI I replied but the powers that be did not want you to read it
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David Amos
David Amos
@James Rielly Google T-1557-15 scroll down to paragraph 83
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Ben Robinson
What a circus this has become. The Trudeau Liberals are playing Canadians for fools.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Ben Robinson
Conservatives love a good witch hunt
Conservatives love a good witch hunt
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Ben Robinson
Ben Robinson
@Troy Mann ... So this is all about ... nothing?
Time will tell. But, there sure is a LOT of smoke.
Time will tell. But, there sure is a LOT of smoke.
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Ryan Tasker
Ryan Tasker
@Ben Robinson
This is the game of politics, kiddo.
It doesn't change regardless of who is in power... the game just cycles.
Get used to it. The electorate is played for fools every 1 to 4 years... and most of the electorate are so politically unintelligent, they fall for it.
This is the game of politics, kiddo.
It doesn't change regardless of who is in power... the game just cycles.
Get used to it. The electorate is played for fools every 1 to 4 years... and most of the electorate are so politically unintelligent, they fall for it.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Ben Robinson
Smoke is easily manufactured by propagandist
Smoke is easily manufactured by propagandist
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Jennifer McIsaac
Jennifer McIsaac
@Ben Robinson
I think it is the Conservative opposition and the media that are playing Canadians for fools as there is absolutely no evidence of malfeasance.
I think it is the Conservative opposition and the media that are playing Canadians for fools as there is absolutely no evidence of malfeasance.
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Matt Thuaii
Matt Thuaii
@Ben Robinson
So far this looks positively pedestrian, no Liberals appear to have done anything wrong based on the facts so far, and yet the Conservatives and the internet brigades who support them can’t stop screaming their heads off about all this...
...me thinks they doth protest too much.
So far this looks positively pedestrian, no Liberals appear to have done anything wrong based on the facts so far, and yet the Conservatives and the internet brigades who support them can’t stop screaming their heads off about all this...
...me thinks they doth protest too much.
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Edward Peter
Edward Peter
@Ben Robinson
How? The Cons are doing all the talking, that is where the skylarking is coming from, at the cost of your taxes.
How? The Cons are doing all the talking, that is where the skylarking is coming from, at the cost of your taxes.
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David Allan
David Allan
@Ben Robinson
I prefer to wait until the actual facts come forth.
What cracks me up most about the right-wing is that when something like this comes out about themselves they call it fake news and say if the source were credible they wouldn't be anonymous.
Shoe, welcome to the other foot.
I prefer to wait until the actual facts come forth.
What cracks me up most about the right-wing is that when something like this comes out about themselves they call it fake news and say if the source were credible they wouldn't be anonymous.
Shoe, welcome to the other foot.
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Karen King
Karen King
@Jennifer McIsaac
actually they are playing some as fools, fortunately there are still many that see what's going on.... as the cons dig the pit for themselves, I'll be happy once the election is over....seems some are willing to stoop too low for my taste...
actually they are playing some as fools, fortunately there are still many that see what's going on.... as the cons dig the pit for themselves, I'll be happy once the election is over....seems some are willing to stoop too low for my taste...
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Karen King
Karen King
@Matt Thuaii
nice to see there are some of us that know what Andy is up to....
nice to see there are some of us that know what Andy is up to....
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David Allan
David Allan
@Ben Robinson
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006 – July 11, 2014
He's a Conservative.
Michael Wernick
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006 – July 11, 2014
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Ben Robinson
Ben Robinson
@David Allan ... Yes ... facts. Those truths that the Trudeau Liberals are obviously trying to hide.
How Liberals can continue to be sanctimonious about all of this is beyond me. Actually, with a Trudeau in the PMO, perhaps not.
How Liberals can continue to be sanctimonious about all of this is beyond me. Actually, with a Trudeau in the PMO, perhaps not.
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Edith Grey
Edith Grey
@David Allan
You are making a seriously flawed assumption. Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
You are making a seriously flawed assumption. Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Edith Grey " The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes."
The deputy Minister works in the department at the whim of the minister.
The deputy Minister works in the department at the whim of the minister.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Ben Robinson
LONG BEFORE these SNC-Lavalin ACCUSATIONS came out, the same bunch that are here today go on about 'bad,bad, Trudeau is bad , really bad' and you've got to know any reasonable honest coherent political party would expect this from their members.
LONG BEFORE these SNC-Lavalin ACCUSATIONS came out, the same bunch that are here today go on about 'bad,bad, Trudeau is bad , really bad' and you've got to know any reasonable honest coherent political party would expect this from their members.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Ben Robinson
Conservatives CROW about their minuscule poll numbers rising, when the truth they NEVER break 40%, not even close and that's taking into account the LEFT VOTE is SPLIT between the liberals , the NDP and the Green Party, which in the United States the Russian boiler rooms were supporting the American Green Party to siphon votes away from HILLARY CLINTON , not because the RUSSIANS love the Green Party, but because they knew any votes directed at an opposing party , no matter who, it is would be lost on the leading contender.
Conservatives CROW about their minuscule poll numbers rising, when the truth they NEVER break 40%, not even close and that's taking into account the LEFT VOTE is SPLIT between the liberals , the NDP and the Green Party, which in the United States the Russian boiler rooms were supporting the American Green Party to siphon votes away from HILLARY CLINTON , not because the RUSSIANS love the Green Party, but because they knew any votes directed at an opposing party , no matter who, it is would be lost on the leading contender.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Ben Robinson "What a circus this has become"
Methinks everybody knows how much I love the circus N'esy Pas?
Methinks everybody knows how much I love the circus N'esy Pas?
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James Holden
James Holden
@Ben Robinson
It's beginning to look like it was the Conservatives trying to play the public for fools by blowing this out of all proportion.
It's beginning to look like it was the Conservatives trying to play the public for fools by blowing this out of all proportion.
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david mccaig
david mccaig
@Ben Robinson
And BELIEVE ME when I'm commenting I'm supporting a man who has made many blunders as far as I'm concerned , some INSINCERE like his two faces of supporting the Paris accord on climate change , then returning to not only give an OK to a new tar sands pipeline TRIPLING the Tar Sands output, but he bought it with OUR tax dollars( didn't see cons screaming about that one) and then turns to the tar Sands that are wreaking an environmental DISASTER in our far North and exporting one of the dirtiest most polluting oil on the planet, not to mention the Tar Sands are NORTH AMERICAS NUMBER ONE source of air pollution.
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harry richard
harry richard
@Ben Robinson ... and using tax dollars to do it.
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harry richard
harry richard
@harry richard ... maybe regular Haitians are correct
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Mark Walen Cooper
Mark Walen Cooper
@Ben Robinson - the contract
to build the Champlain bridge was awarded in April 2015 when
Conservatives were in power. SNC-Lavalin faced criminal corruption
charges over activities in Libya at the time. So where does this place
everyone? Just saying.
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Irv Millar
Irv Millar
@david mccaig That is where a
free press is essential. To earn the title of Journalist, the
individual must first have a desire to be impartial in their reports.
Once the Journalist compromises this ethical obligation to society, they
become mere reporters of facts that they are told to report upon or
create. Propaganda, disinformation or a litany of other negatives are
the spawn of these non-democratic actions. Such actions can cause
uncertainty or chaos and is a dark influence in our democratic process.
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joseph dover
joseph dover
@Ben Robinson ...some are easily played too...
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James Rielly
James Rielly
@James Holden Maybe that was the plan :)
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David Amos
David Amos
@Irv Millar "Propaganda,
disinformation or a litany of other negatives are the spawn of these
non-democratic actions. Such actions can cause uncertainty or chaos and
is a dark influence in our democratic process."
So did I run in the election of the 42nd Parliament while suing the Queen or didn't I?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fundy-royal-riding-profile-1.3274276
So did I run in the election of the 42nd Parliament while suing the Queen or didn't I?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fundy-royal-riding-profile-1.3274276
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David Amos
David Amos
@James Rielly "Maybe that was the plan :)"
Methinks it must be a pretty good plan if they can fool Mr Butts into quitting his fancy job mere months before an election N'esy Pas?
Methinks it must be a pretty good plan if they can fool Mr Butts into quitting his fancy job mere months before an election N'esy Pas?
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AnneClarke
You have to be pretty daft to
believe anything will come from Lametti testifying, he wasn't even
there! Liberals investigating Liberals, how stupid do they think we
are?
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Ronald Canell
Ronald Canell
@AnneClarke thats why he is testifying
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@AnneClarke
How about Michael Wernick? You going to call Harpers deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for 10 years a liberal?
How about Michael Wernick? You going to call Harpers deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for 10 years a liberal?
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Edith Grey
Edith Grey
@Troy Mann
Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
Again, we go to civics - maybe even the grade 5 version. Deputy Ministers are civil servants....not political appointees. The Minister is the politician. Deputy Ministers do not get switched out if party control changes.
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Erin Holloway
Erin Holloway
@Edith Grey Deputy Ministers
may not be political appointees but they often are changed when
governments changed. Compare a list of deputy ministers before and after
any election - at both the federal and provincial levels - and you will
see deputy ministers moving from one department to another or even
leaving public service all together. The last provincial election in
Alberta is a good example. Many of the long serving deputy ministers
left the government after the NDP government was elected.
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David Amos
David Amos
@AnneClarke "Liberals investigating Liberals, how stupid do they think we are?"
Methinks they think we are as stupid as they are N'esy Pas?
Methinks they think we are as stupid as they are N'esy Pas?
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Jerry MaGuire
RCMP investigation the only
way forward. Yesterday's info confirms JWR was contacted after
prosecutors decided SNC would not qualify for any deal. Criminality.
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Jeff hunt
Jeff hunt
@Jerry MaGuire your faith in the ponies is misguided.
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Jennifer McIsaac
Jennifer McIsaac
@Jerry MaGuire
Rubbish. There is no crime in anyone contacting JWR if they did not pressure her.
Rubbish. There is no crime in anyone contacting JWR if they did not pressure her.
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Troy Mann
Troy Mann
@Jerry MaGuire
RCMP investigations require evidence not anonymous source.
RCMP investigations require evidence not anonymous source.
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Karen King
Karen King
@Jerry MaGuire
so this all turns out to be nothing that would be a tremendous waste of resources, can't you at least wait until Jody has her say??
so this all turns out to be nothing that would be a tremendous waste of resources, can't you at least wait until Jody has her say??
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Aaron Morris
Aaron Morris
@Karen King
We would all love for Jody to have her say, except for the PMO whom won't waive privilege as they are all terrified.
We would all love for Jody to have her say, except for the PMO whom won't waive privilege as they are all terrified.
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David Amos
David Amos
@Jerry MaGuire "RCMP investigation the only way forward."
Methinks there is no need for the RCMP to investigate political party infighting The court of public opinion held on polling day this October should resolve the matter anyway N'esy Pas?
Methinks there is no need for the RCMP to investigate political party infighting The court of public opinion held on polling day this October should resolve the matter anyway N'esy Pas?
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Maxim Verite
For years I've said Trudeau is probably a nice man, but just not bright enough for the job.
Now, he's convinced me he's not a nice man at all.
And, he's still not qualified.
Now, he's convinced me he's not a nice man at all.
And, he's still not qualified.
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george bath
george bath
@Maxim Verite
nothing else credible to attack so go after the PM
nothing else credible to attack so go after the PM
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Stephen McIntyre
Stephen McIntyre
@Maxim Verite - Oh.. you've got a feeling. Let's go with that. Who needs evidence?
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John Smith
John Smith
@Maxim Verite Hopefully
you'll remember in the future that often times those who appear overly
nice are simply using it to mask their true nature.
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Maxim Verite
Maxim Verite
@Stephen McIntyre
Evidently not the Liberals, since they're so actively suppressing it
Evidently not the Liberals, since they're so actively suppressing it
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Tom Abbott
Tom Abbott
@george bath
Nothing else credible....are you for real. Read the news. George...its full of credible government ethics blunders.
Nothing else credible....are you for real. Read the news. George...its full of credible government ethics blunders.
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John Smith
John Smith
@Maxim Verite beware those
that don the mask of purity and virtue to disguise the fact they are
conniving and wicked. It's how priests got away with abusing children
for so long(still do) it's how JT tricked many into handing the wheel to
a man without morals or conscience.
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Fenn Edwards
Fenn Edwards
@Maxim Verite
The exact same can be said about Stephen Harper.
The exact same can be said about Stephen Harper.
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David Amos
David Amos
@John Smith Oh So True
Chris Spiers
He has nothing of value since he was not the AG during the time of question.
What he does bring is more Liberal rhetoric
What he does bring is more Liberal rhetoric
Tarl Cabbot
@Chris Spiers
Ya know, I tend to slant a bit toward the left. Kind of like sitting on the fence and slightly over . . .
But this pony show serves to reinforce my notion that it doesn't matter what flavour of political party has or doesn't have power.
It is the corporations, the elite, the parasites of society who run the government.
Ya know, I tend to slant a bit toward the left. Kind of like sitting on the fence and slightly over . . .
But this pony show serves to reinforce my notion that it doesn't matter what flavour of political party has or doesn't have power.
It is the corporations, the elite, the parasites of society who run the government.
Matt Thuaii
@Tarl Cabbot
If you’ve lost the ability to see the difference between the parties...if you’ve truly lost faith in our government thanks to this manufactured scandal...
...you haven’t been paying nearly enough attention.
If you’ve lost the ability to see the difference between the parties...if you’ve truly lost faith in our government thanks to this manufactured scandal...
...you haven’t been paying nearly enough attention.
Tarl Cabbot
@Matt Thuaii
Matt, you are part right. I am in the side lines, and while I do see differences in the various party ideologies, I do have trouble differentiating the long term visions amongst them.
One thing is very clear to me.
Not much will change in the life of a typical Canadian regardless of who sits in the big chair on the hill.
Money makes money, and the small people scramble for any crumbs that might fall about then turn it over as taxes to under pin the big game of politics.
Matt, you are part right. I am in the side lines, and while I do see differences in the various party ideologies, I do have trouble differentiating the long term visions amongst them.
One thing is very clear to me.
Not much will change in the life of a typical Canadian regardless of who sits in the big chair on the hill.
Money makes money, and the small people scramble for any crumbs that might fall about then turn it over as taxes to under pin the big game of politics.
Neil Turv
@Tarl Cabbot
Well said, the reality is you give any party power and people within that party will abuse it. What is happening now is no different from uncountable previous scenarios under any government.
- Media outlet files a report, protects the source (cornerstone of journalism and a free and fair society.)
- Opposition partie(s) use it to enhance their own appeal, make the sitting government look bad.
- Insecure supporters of the accused insist it's unique, unfair and baseless.
- Ideally the appropriate investigative bodies looks into it and reports the findings.
It happens to every sitting government, and will continue to happen when the next guy replaces Trudeau, whenever that will be.
Well said, the reality is you give any party power and people within that party will abuse it. What is happening now is no different from uncountable previous scenarios under any government.
- Media outlet files a report, protects the source (cornerstone of journalism and a free and fair society.)
- Opposition partie(s) use it to enhance their own appeal, make the sitting government look bad.
- Insecure supporters of the accused insist it's unique, unfair and baseless.
- Ideally the appropriate investigative bodies looks into it and reports the findings.
It happens to every sitting government, and will continue to happen when the next guy replaces Trudeau, whenever that will be.
Troy Mann
@Chris Spiers
How about Michael Wernick? Deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for the entire tenure of Harper...
Clearly a "liberal" right so you can keep the witch hunt going
How about Michael Wernick? Deputy Minister of aboriginal and northern affairs for the entire tenure of Harper...
Clearly a "liberal" right so you can keep the witch hunt going
Matt Thuaii
@Tarl Cabbot
Look up the definitions of “left wing” and “right wing”.
The difference is, some politicians and parties believe they deserve to be in charge (and whether or not how they get there is ethical or moral, that’s how it should be).
Look up the definitions of “left wing” and “right wing”.
The difference is, some politicians and parties believe they deserve to be in charge (and whether or not how they get there is ethical or moral, that’s how it should be).
Edward Peter
@Chris Spiers
Why did the Cons want him as a Witness, they know the game?
Why did the Cons want him as a Witness, they know the game?
Karen King
@Tarl Cabbot
hmmm, not so sure, some of the issues I am concerned about are in jeopardy under the cons...for example the right for a woman to chose whether or not to have an abortion....Andy is against that but says he will not make changes, but he will probably stop funding like Trumpy....these are the big differences between the parties.
Normally I go with the best person when I vote but for the last decade it's been simply anti con as from where I sit they are going to do the most harm to the majority of people.
hmmm, not so sure, some of the issues I am concerned about are in jeopardy under the cons...for example the right for a woman to chose whether or not to have an abortion....Andy is against that but says he will not make changes, but he will probably stop funding like Trumpy....these are the big differences between the parties.
Normally I go with the best person when I vote but for the last decade it's been simply anti con as from where I sit they are going to do the most harm to the majority of people.
David Allan
@Chris Spiers
Do you know what the Privy Council is?
Grade 10 civics.
Do you know what the Privy Council is?
Grade 10 civics.
Neil Turv
@Karen King
If any government touches abortion rights on a federal level I will eat my hat, and I'm so confident about that I'll eat every other persons hat who wants to donate it to my meals.
Scheer might pay lip service to back benchers to appease SoCons, but every politician knows how to count and if you look at the latest Canadian polls for Pro Choice vs Pro Life it's not a battle worth fighting.
If any government touches abortion rights on a federal level I will eat my hat, and I'm so confident about that I'll eat every other persons hat who wants to donate it to my meals.
Scheer might pay lip service to back benchers to appease SoCons, but every politician knows how to count and if you look at the latest Canadian polls for Pro Choice vs Pro Life it's not a battle worth fighting.
Kerry Thurston
@David Allan
He’s only ‘privy’ to Cabinet discussions .....and not PMO private discussions.
That’s really basic.
He’s only ‘privy’ to Cabinet discussions .....and not PMO private discussions.
That’s really basic.
David Amos
@Chris Spiers "What he does bring is more Liberal rhetoric"
I agree
I agree
David Amos
@David Allan "Do you know what the Privy Council is?"
Have you ever spoken with Paul Shuttle? Trust that I have.
Have you ever spoken with Paul Shuttle? Trust that I have.
Chris Spiers
@David Amos
So that and a quarter lets you make a phone call
So that and a quarter lets you make a phone call
David Amos
@Chris Spiers True but would that lawyer talk to you?
Chris Spiers
@David Amos
The question is why would I Want to talk to him?
The question is why would I Want to talk to him?
David Amos
@Chris Spiers Why do you bother publishing opinions about his boss?
david mccaig
@Chris Spiers
19 posts i contributed here have all disppeared
19 posts i contributed here have all disppeared
Art Rowe
@david mccaig
Maybe because of your penchant to OVER contribute by SO MANY posts that could have been actually posted as 1 or 2.
Use KISS principal.
Maybe because of your penchant to OVER contribute by SO MANY posts that could have been actually posted as 1 or 2.
Use KISS principal.
Joe Renaud
@Chris Spiers
The Clerk of the Privy Council (a non-political bureaucrat) reminded the minister that there would be real world consequences to her decisions. Yes - this is pressure - but it is the sort of pressure she that is in her job description.
The Clerk of the Privy Council (a non-political bureaucrat) reminded the minister that there would be real world consequences to her decisions. Yes - this is pressure - but it is the sort of pressure she that is in her job description.
Karen King
@Chris Spiers
OMG are folks just brain dead here, he is the head of the privy council....not an AG and he was there and has been for years...clearly you have no idea what his job is.....sheesh
OMG are folks just brain dead here, he is the head of the privy council....not an AG and he was there and has been for years...clearly you have no idea what his job is.....sheesh
Matt Thuaii
@Art Rowe
Or maybe it’s because he writes comments that contradict the narrative being pushed by those who come here with internet brigades to manipulate Canadians into doing what they want...
...in this case, they want us to believe that the Liberals have committed horrible crimes against humanity (without evidence of course), and the Conservatives are the only ones who can save us.
Or maybe it’s because he writes comments that contradict the narrative being pushed by those who come here with internet brigades to manipulate Canadians into doing what they want...
...in this case, they want us to believe that the Liberals have committed horrible crimes against humanity (without evidence of course), and the Conservatives are the only ones who can save us.
James Fitzgibbon
@Chris Spiers
This is blatantly false. He is not the AG, he is Clerk of the Privy Council, one of the most important positions in our government. He also served under Harper, so your idiotic statement about Liberal rhetoric is exactly as uninformed as your AG statement.
This is blatantly false. He is not the AG, he is Clerk of the Privy Council, one of the most important positions in our government. He also served under Harper, so your idiotic statement about Liberal rhetoric is exactly as uninformed as your AG statement.
Mark Lack
The Liberals on this committee have let down the people of Canada.
Charles O'Neill
@Mark Lack Unfortunately allegiance to the party is more important than allegiance to the country
Ryan Tasker
@Charles O'Neill
Ha! You people think you vote for a local representative? Hasn't been that way in well over 100 years. They're all smitten to their party.
Ha! You people think you vote for a local representative? Hasn't been that way in well over 100 years. They're all smitten to their party.
Jennifer McIsaac
@Charles O'Neill
Yes, that is why the opposition are making such a meal of what is a case where there is no evidence of wrong doing.
Meantime Canada suffers,
Yes, that is why the opposition are making such a meal of what is a case where there is no evidence of wrong doing.
Meantime Canada suffers,
Aaron Morris
@Jennifer McIsaac
The opposition is making the biggest deal of the fact that the Liberal's are suppressing testimony from the only one who can really say what happened.
That is indisputable.
The opposition is making the biggest deal of the fact that the Liberal's are suppressing testimony from the only one who can really say what happened.
That is indisputable.
Karen King
@Aaron Morris
no it's not Jody is doing her own suppressing...if you think Trudeau is not dying for her to clear this up you are sadly mistaken...
no it's not Jody is doing her own suppressing...if you think Trudeau is not dying for her to clear this up you are sadly mistaken...
Jack O Hill
@Karen King
"no it's not Jody is doing her own suppressing...if you think Trudeau is not dying for her to clear this up you are sadly mistaken..."
Both Martin and Harper waived privilege. Time for Trudeau to do the same, if he is so keen to have her speak her peace.
"no it's not Jody is doing her own suppressing...if you think Trudeau is not dying for her to clear this up you are sadly mistaken..."
Both Martin and Harper waived privilege. Time for Trudeau to do the same, if he is so keen to have her speak her peace.
David Amos
@Mark Lack "The Liberals on this committee have let down the people of Canada."
Methinks most of peoplekind expected this nonsense N'esy Pas?
Methinks most of peoplekind expected this nonsense N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Jack O Hill YUP
Matt Thuaii
@Karen King
There’s no if...
...sadly mistaken it is.
There’s no if...
...sadly mistaken it is.
Bob Lashram
What a farce...
wal wiseman
@george bath fake news, nothing to see here. Move along...lol
Troy Mann
@Bob Lashram
Total farce all based on an anonymous source. Witch hunts are called witch hunts because they are a farce.
Total farce all based on an anonymous source. Witch hunts are called witch hunts because they are a farce.
Byron Whitford
@Troy Mann
God you guys sound like Trump.
God you guys sound like Trump.
David Amos
@Bob Lashram Welcome to the Circus
Matt Thuaii
@Bob Lashram
Yes...this boldfaced attempt to create a scandal looks awful...
...but considering their history, typical Conservative behaviour.
Yes...this boldfaced attempt to create a scandal looks awful...
...but considering their history, typical Conservative behaviour.
Daryl McBride
Lametti should resign as well, clearly not working for Canada.
george bath
@Daryl McBride
what would make it clearer for you?
what would make it clearer for you?
Daryl McBride
@george bath Watch the show, embarrassing.
Gary Norton
@george bath some actual answers.
Gord Gundersen
@george bath He has to answer
who is the client that can waive privilege, but he won't, so it seems
he is not working for Canadian who want answers. Either he knows and
will not answer or he is incompetent and needs to step down so someone
who knows who the client is can give us an answer.
James Fitzgibbon
@Daryl McBride
Because you disagree with him, he should resign. And who are you, exactly?
Because you disagree with him, he should resign. And who are you, exactly?
Troy Mann
@James Fitzgibbon
Daryl wants everyone to resign other than conservatives and for there to never be an election after conservative assume power.
Daryl wants everyone to resign other than conservatives and for there to never be an election after conservative assume power.
David Allan
@Daryl McBride
Everyone you don't like should resign.
Regardless of reality.
Understood.
Everyone you don't like should resign.
Regardless of reality.
Understood.
David Amos
@Daryl McBride "Watch the show, embarrassing."
Methinks whereas our taxes are funding this circus you might as well kick back and just enjoy the show N'esy Pas?
Methinks whereas our taxes are funding this circus you might as well kick back and just enjoy the show N'esy Pas?
bill chagwich
does anyone believe Lametti???
Tarl Cabbot
@bill chagwich
Can anyone understand the reams of legal baffle-gab spewing from him?
Can anyone understand the reams of legal baffle-gab spewing from him?
george bath
@bill chagwich
I do bill
I respect the process
I do bill
I respect the process
Cecil Row
@Tarl Cabbot In brief he is only saying it depends-legalize for we get to do what we want.
Richard Riel
@bill chagwich Does anybody believe the law and not justice of trudeau?
Tarl Cabbot
@george bath
I think most Canadians respect the process.
I think most Canadians believe, that, the process established, is a core base element for building a civilised society.
The allegations against Lavalin are evidence that a privileged select few have undue influence to change the process.
How can you believe Lametti, when he speaks incomprehensible legalese?
I think most Canadians respect the process.
I think most Canadians believe, that, the process established, is a core base element for building a civilised society.
The allegations against Lavalin are evidence that a privileged select few have undue influence to change the process.
How can you believe Lametti, when he speaks incomprehensible legalese?
Tim Joseph
@bill chagwich Guess not the yellow vests.
David Allan
@bill chagwich
"oes anyone believe Lametti???"
He's a Conservative.
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006[2] – July 11, 2014
"oes anyone believe Lametti???"
He's a Conservative.
Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
In office
May 5, 2006[2] – July 11, 2014
Garth Buhr
@David Allan You are thinking of the wrong person.
Jack O Hill
@David Allan
"Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development "
That identifies him as a senior bureaucrat. It does NOT identify political affiliation.
"Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development "
That identifies him as a senior bureaucrat. It does NOT identify political affiliation.
David Amos
@bill chagwich "does anyone believe Lametti???"
When was the last time you believed a lawyer?
When was the last time you believed a lawyer?
John Sweet
@David Allan Lametti is the Liberal Attorney General. Try to keep your players straight.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/snc-lavalin-wilson-raybould-trudeau-wernick-1.5030928
Under pressure: Inside an explosive week in the SNC-Lavalin controversy
We're learning more all the time about what led to Wilson-Raybould's resignation - and what might come next
Before Jody Wilson-Raybould could state her case to her ex-cabinet colleagues on Tuesday, she first had to make her case directly to the prime minister.
And so, on a frosty Ottawa morning, Wilson-Raybould and her former chief of staff, Jessica Prince, walked into the prime minister's West Block offices for a private meeting with Justin Trudeau, his chief of staff, Katie Telford, and Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick.
It was the morning after Gerald Butts had publicly announced his resignation as Trudeau's principal secretary. The very apex of the Liberal government was reeling — and now Wilson-Raybould wanted to walk into the cabinet room a week after she had walked out of cabinet.
Her pitch was simple. She wanted to explain her side of the SNC-Lavalin affair to the inner circle she had quit on February 12.
Trudeau eventually agreed to bring her request to the full cabinet. Ministers debated the matter for two hours while Wilson-Raybould waited outside.
Multiple sources tell CBC News that some cabinet ministers were concerned about the optics of letting Wilson-Raybould attend a meeting of the inner circle just a week after she'd quit cabinet.
They eventually consented to Wilson-Raybould's unprecedented appearance but — as Wernick revealed in his extraordinary testimony before the Commons justice committee this week — Attorney General David Lametti left the cabinet room to avoid any potential conflict.
No apologies
Sources described WIlson-Raybould as unapologetic during her cabinet room appearance. People inside the room, and those later briefed on the conversation, confirm that Wilson-Raybould told the cabinet she felt she had been pressured improperly to help SNC-Lavalin, something first reported by the Globe and Mail.
Jody Wilson-Raybould has been clear that she's ready to tell her side of the story in the SNC-Lavalin scandal. But what's standing in her way? Salimah Shiviji explains the complex situation.
"I predict that the former attorney-general will express concern to this committee about three events. The first is the meeting with the prime minister," Wernick told MPs on the justice committee Thursday.
Wernick's testimony was a broad defence of the conduct of the government he serves. His arguments have done nothing to resolve the partisan debate surrounding the SNC-Lavalin controversy.
But that particular bit of testimony helped clarify the timeline of the key fracture points that led to Wilson-Raybould's resignation from cabinet and Butts' departure as the prime minister's top adviser.
What did the staffers say?
Wernick corroborated the prime minister's account of the Sept. 17 meeting with Wilson-Raybould. He said Trudeau asked for the meeting to discuss the slow pace of legislation central to the government's Indigenous reconciliation agenda. When Wilson-Raybould asked Trudeau about SNC-Lavalin, Wernick said, the PM assured his then-attorney general that any decision was hers to make.
"He indicated that it was entirely her call to make, that she was the decider," Wernick testified. "And that is a message the PM conveyed to the minister on every situation that I'm aware of that came up."
There were no politicians at the Dec. 18 meeting — just political staff. A senior government official confirms the meeting was between Prince, Butts and Telford.
If that's the case, then Wernick's call to Wilson-Raybould the very next day would have been especially unwelcome.
"I conveyed to her that a lot of her colleagues and the prime minister were quite anxious," Wernick said to the committee. "There were a lot of people worried about what would happen, the consequences, not for her, the consequences for the (SNC-Lavalin) workers and the communities and the suppliers."
Many senior Liberals feel Wernick did a good job of defending the government's conduct in the SNC-Lavalin controversy. They argue the clerk was able to do what the prime minister should have done from the beginning: lay out, in plain language, the case for significant government action to protect 9,000 SNC-Lavalin jobs while also respecting the rule of law.
Others aren't so sure. CBC News has learned that a group of cabinet ministers gathered at Environment Minister Catherine McKenna's Ottawa Centre home on Thursday night to assess the fallout from Wernick's testimony.
Some critics have described Wernick's comments as overly partisan. The Conservatives suggest they form the basis of a police investigation.
"There is certainly a strong basis to be made for an RCMP investigation," Conservative MP Michael Cooper said Friday. "I think that what the evidence of Mr. Wernick before the justice committee confirms is that the allegations of political interference in the prosecution of SNC Lavalin are supported."
Meanwhile, Liberal backbenchers remain largely in the dark about the specifics of what happened — and what might happen next.
Several
Liberal MPs told CBC News they are convinced Wilson-Raybould is
determined to bring down the prime minister and this entire controversy
is a way to settle scores over being demoted to Veterans Affairs. They
hold that view even though Wilson-Raybould assured the Liberal caucus on
Wednesday that she was on the Liberal team and supports the Liberal
agenda.
Other caucus members believe her motives are more personal than that. They praise Wilson-Raybould as extremely principled while also criticizing her as rigid.
Only Wilson-Raybould herself can say for sure. She'll get that chance when she testifies at the justice committee next week. It still isn't clear whether the questions about how solicitor-client privilege applies to her will be resolved before her appearance.
What is clear is that she has an important story to tell — and it is likely to be well-documented. Multiple government sources say Wilson-Raybould is a prodigious note-taker, making copious written accounts of nearly every meeting she attends.
When she resigned from cabinet, multiple sources say, the Prime Minister's Office did a thorough vet of their own notes and records to see if there was anything that could cause them trouble. Wernick argued in his testimony that no one in PMO crossed a line
"So, I can tell you with complete assurance that my view of those conversations is that they were within the boundaries of what is lawful and appropriate," Wernick said.
At this point, it seems unlikely that Wilson-Raybould would agree.
"I conveyed to her that a lot of her colleagues and the prime minister were quite anxious," Wernick said to the committee. "There were a lot of people worried about what would happen, the consequences, not for her, the consequences for the (SNC-Lavalin) workers and the communities and the suppliers."
Many senior Liberals feel Wernick did a good job of defending the government's conduct in the SNC-Lavalin controversy. They argue the clerk was able to do what the prime minister should have done from the beginning: lay out, in plain language, the case for significant government action to protect 9,000 SNC-Lavalin jobs while also respecting the rule of law.
Others aren't so sure. CBC News has learned that a group of cabinet ministers gathered at Environment Minister Catherine McKenna's Ottawa Centre home on Thursday night to assess the fallout from Wernick's testimony.
A 'strong basis' for investigation
Some critics have described Wernick's comments as overly partisan. The Conservatives suggest they form the basis of a police investigation.
"There is certainly a strong basis to be made for an RCMP investigation," Conservative MP Michael Cooper said Friday. "I think that what the evidence of Mr. Wernick before the justice committee confirms is that the allegations of political interference in the prosecution of SNC Lavalin are supported."
Meanwhile, Liberal backbenchers remain largely in the dark about the specifics of what happened — and what might happen next.
Other caucus members believe her motives are more personal than that. They praise Wilson-Raybould as extremely principled while also criticizing her as rigid.
Only Wilson-Raybould herself can say for sure. She'll get that chance when she testifies at the justice committee next week. It still isn't clear whether the questions about how solicitor-client privilege applies to her will be resolved before her appearance.
Wilson-Raybould kept notes
What is clear is that she has an important story to tell — and it is likely to be well-documented. Multiple government sources say Wilson-Raybould is a prodigious note-taker, making copious written accounts of nearly every meeting she attends.
When she resigned from cabinet, multiple sources say, the Prime Minister's Office did a thorough vet of their own notes and records to see if there was anything that could cause them trouble. Wernick argued in his testimony that no one in PMO crossed a line
"So, I can tell you with complete assurance that my view of those conversations is that they were within the boundaries of what is lawful and appropriate," Wernick said.
At this point, it seems unlikely that Wilson-Raybould would agree.
CBC News
Full statement by Michael Wernick
‘I'm here to say to you
that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation
and, in some cases, is simply defamatory,’ Wernick, Clerk of the Privy
Council, said. 5:31
With files from Chris Hall
https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/snc-lavalin-1.5028630
Liberals will get to the bottom of the SNC-Lavalin affair — once the Liberals get out of the way: Robyn Urback
On Wednesday, Liberal MPs defeated a motion calling on Trudeau to waive solicitor-client privilege
The Liberal government, according to the Liberal government, absolutely wants to get to the bottom of the SNC-Lavalin affair. The problem is the Liberal government is standing in the way. What's a government to do?
The question at the centre of this saga is whether former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould was pressured by anyone in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to seek a deferred prosecution agreement in the criminal case involving Quebec engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been unequivocal in his answer. It's just that he's been answering a different question: No one directedher to secure a particular resolution.
But did anyone pressure her?
No one "directed" her.
Don't be confused. Ever since that unambiguous denial of a question that wasn't asked, the government's line on the matter has been consistent and clear: We would like to tell you more, but we simply can't, because we are choosing not to.
Solicitor-client privilege
Last week, the Liberal majority on the Commons justice committee blocked efforts to call relevant witnesses — including Wilson-Raybould and PMO senior advisers Gerald Butts (who resigned Monday) and Mathieu Bouchard — before the committee. Expanding the witness list to those who were actually involved in the pertinent conversations would be akin to a "witch hunt" and a "fishing expedition," explained Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault.
Instead, the committee would be calling legal experts, civil servants and the current attorney general, David Lametti, who had already said he has no direct knowledge of conversations between Wilson-Raybould and the PMO. The committee has not called anyone who can speak to the colour of the paint on the wall where these conversations took place, but alas, there is still time to add more witnesses. (Indeed, the committee eventually relented to calling Wilson-Raybould to testify after all.)
Politics News
Wernick says SNC-Lavalin's lobbying efforts failed
Michael Wernick the Clerk of the Privy Council spoke to the Commons Justice committee Thursday 0:27
Proceedings began on Thursday, when Privy Council Clerk Michael Wernick testified that the conversations with Wilson-Raybould about SNC-Lavalin were lawful and appropriate. He repeated the prime minister's line that if she felt pressure — due to the multiple conversations in which it was emphasized that the wrong decision on the matter could have dire economic consequences in Quebec — she should have reported it to the ethics commissioner.
Wilson-Raybould has not been able to publicly give her side of the story because, as she has noted previously, she is bound by solicitor-client privilege. The prime minister can waive that privilege should he choose, but he has not for a reason he has not coherently articulated other than to say he is discussing the matter with the current attorney general. During his testimony Thursday, Lametti was tight-lipped about his efforts on the matter, saying he himself is bound by solicitor-client privilege.
Earlier that day, Wilson-Raybould reportedly told cabinet, according to a Globe and Mail source, that she experienced inappropriate pressure from the PMO on SNC-Lavalin. Meaning that, within the span of a few hours, cabinet reportedly heard from Wilson-Raybould that she was improperly pressured, then voted against a motion to allow her to say that publicly.
Move to Veterans Affairs
There are questions the prime minister may answer on the matter that don't involve privilege or require him to speak directly on SNC-Lavalin's criminal case. They include why Wilson-Raybould was moved from the Justice Department to Veterans Affairs even though other ministers maintained their posts during the last cabinet shuffle.
The prime minister has noted there are a "range of factors" that go into any decision to move a minister, but did not elaborate on the particular factors in Wilson-Raybould's case. There is no directive that requires Trudeau to keep this information confidential, but it nevertheless appears he is constrained by the parliamentary convention colloquially known as "I'm Not Telling You Anything Else Because I Don't Want To."
Indeed, if you trust the Liberals' words instead of their actions, it is clear they want to fulfil their promise of transparency; to free up Wilson-Raybould to "speak my truth," as she requested in the House this week; to call upon all the relevant witnesses to testify; to allow a full and thorough public investigation. The problem is, the Liberals keep getting in the way. Alas, what is a Liberal government to do?
This column is part of CBC's Opinion section. For more information about this section, please read our FAQ.
About the Author
'Pay close heed' to words of top bureaucrat on SNC-Lavalin affair, Trudeau says
Privy Council Clerk Michael Wernick said Thursday there was no inappropriate pressure on Wilson-Raybould
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians should "pay heed" to the country's top civil servant, who testified Thursday there was no inappropriate pressure placed on Jody Wilson-Raybould to override a decision to prosecute SNC-Lavalin.
Taking questions from reporters after an event in St. John's today, where he visited the Core Science Facility under construction at Memorial University, Trudeau called Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick an "extraordinary public servant" who has served Canada with "integrity and brilliance."
Wernick told the justice committee probing the SNC-Lavalin affair that he warned Wilson-Raybould — who was justice minister at the time — that there would be economic "consequences" from prosecuting SNC-Lavalin, including big job losses. But he maintained that he, Trudeau and officials in the Prime Minister's Office did not impose any inappropriate pressure on the minister.
Asked why Wernick and PMO officials pressed Wilson-Raybould to consider what was at stake in an SNC-Lavalin prosecution — given that the decision had been made already to proceed with that prosecution — Trudeau said the government has a fundamental responsibility to preserve jobs and promote economic growth while respecting the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
"That is something this government has always done," he said. "I would recommend that people pay close heed to the words of the clerk of the Privy Council. His service to this country over decades in the public service leaves him well-positioned to understand what institutions are grounded in, and make sure that we're doing the right things as a government."
Wernick said he called Wilson-Raybould on Dec. 19, 2018, to discuss various issues — including the option of a remediation agreement.
CBC News
"Pay close heed" to Wernick testimony, Trudeau says
Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau endorses the testimony of Canada's top public servant, Clerk of
the Privy Council Michael Wernick, in the SNC Lavalin affair during an
appearance in St. John's Friday. 0:51
Pressured to 'get it right'
"I am quite sure the minister felt pressured to get it right, and part of my conversation with her on Dec. 19 was conveying context that there were a lot of people worried about what would happen ... the consequences not for her, the consequences for the workers, and the communities and the suppliers," he told MPs on Thursday.
Wernick said he did not cross any line in his exchanges with Wilson-Raybould, insisting the conversations were "lawful and appropriate."
The justice committee is examining the growing controversy touched off by a Feb. 7 Globe and Mail report that said Trudeau's aides attempted to press Wilson-Raybould to intervene in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, and that exasperation with her lack of co-operation was one reason for shuffling her out of the Justice portfolio.
Opposition Conservatives and New Democrats have been demanding the prime minister waive privilege so Wilson-Raybould can speak freely when she appears before the committee, which she is expected to do next week.
Wernick said Thursday he doesn't believe Wilson-Raybould is bound by solicitor-client privilege, but Trudeau said again on Friday that there are serious implications at play.
"This is something we do have to take very seriously because it's a fundamental part of our justice system and, indeed, in this case there are two ongoing court cases," he said.
Wilson-Raybould's successor, Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti, is reviewing the matter, but has offered no indication of when he could provide advice to the prime minister on privilege.
CBC News
Trudeau questioned on solicitor-client privilege
Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau says waiving solicitor-client privilege is a complicated matter
and doesn't want to impact the two ongoing court cases involved in the
SNC-Lavalin affair while taking questions from reporters during an
appearance in St John's Friday. 1:15
The company said it will now pay a quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share, compared to its earlier payment of 28.7 cents per share.
'A political hockey game'
SNC-Lavalin CEO Neil Bruce told a news conference today that the company and its current employees have done nothing wrong.
"Our employees are being used as puck in political hockey game," he said. "They don't deserve it and, frankly, we've had enough."
Bruce said the company requested that the charges against it be "circumvented" through a remediation agreement — that it didn't ask for them to be dropped entirely. He argues that a remediation arrangement would be in the public's interest.
The company will "vigorously defend" itself in court, Bruce said.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau was asked Friday whether he thinks SNC-Lavalin can survive if the criminal prosecution proceeds.
"I really can't speak about the potential success of any individual business," he said in Toronto after meeting with private sector economists. "I think in the case of SNC-Lavalin, it's an organization that's been very successful over a long period of time and we obviously want to see a business like that, that employs that many Canadians, continue to be successful."
CBC News
Morneau questioned on SNC-Lavalin business
Finance Minister Bill
Morneau faced questions on whether he thinks SNC-Lavalin could survive
if faced with criminal prosecution while visiting George Brown College
in Toronto. 0:56
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/raybould-wernick-framework-1.5029144
Wilson-Raybould battled Bennett, other ministers over Indigenous rights framework
Privy Council Clerk Michael Wernick denied Globe and Mail report he rebuked Wilson-Raybould over speeches
The
federal government's top bureaucrat revealed Thursday that
Jody Wilson-Raybould, the former Justice minister, was locked in a
fierce battle with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett
and other ministers over the direction of a promised piece of
legislation central to the government's reconciliation agenda.
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick said a Sept. 17, 2018, meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Wilson-Raybould, which has emerged as a key event in the SNC-Lavalin affair, was actually in response to cabinet tensions over the direction of the promised recognition and implementation of an Indigenous rights framework.
The framework was meant to enshrine the Constitution's section 35, which affirms Aboriginal rights, in federal law, allowing First Nations to reconstitute their governance structures outside the Indian Act.
Trudeau announced the framework during a speech in the House of Commons in February 2018.
Wernick said the prime minister met with Wilson-Raybould to discuss "very serious policy differences" between the former justice minister, Bennett and other ministers over the framework.
"He was aware because he had been briefed both by the Privy Council Office and his political staff that there was something of a policy standoff among his ministers," said Wernick during testimony before the justice committee, Thursday.
"There were different views on a very significant thing. And we were trying to find a way, essentially I would call it a form of conciliation or mediation, to bring people together."
The committee is holding hearings into the SNC-Lavalin affair, which were triggered by a Globe and Mail report that alleged Wilson-Raybould was pressured by the PMO to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Montreal-based engineering giant.
Wilson-Raybould is expected to testify next week.
Wernick said that he took the lead on the Indigenous framework file because Trudeau and senior PMO officials were consumed by trade negotiations with the U.S.
He said Trudeau was growing "impatient" in September with the slow pace of work on the framework, which was then facing a nascent organized resistance that echoed the early days of the Idle No More movement.
"He was concerned we were losing momentum and traction heading into the last year of the mandate on the rights framework," said Wernick.
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick waits to appear before the Justice Committee meeting on Feb. 21. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
Trudeau, Wernick and Wilson-Raybould's meeting
on Sept. 17, 2018, came about a week after the Assembly of First
Nations held a forum to discuss the framework. The forum turned
disastrous for the federal government after Crown-Indigenous Relations
officials released a draft discussion paper that was widely panned by
First Nations leaders as "insulting," boosting grassroots opposition to
the initiative.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde said in a Sept. 11 speech during the forum that the Trudeau government, which wanted to introduce the framework by the fall, needed to slow down the process.
In a speech at the University of Saskatchewan on Sept. 13, Wilson-Raybould seemed to take a swipe at the discussion paper on the rights framework produced by Bennett's department.
"But words are also easy, cheap ... too often we see the tendency — especially in politics — to use important words that have real meaning and importance, carelessly," said Wilson-Raybould, according to a transcript of her speech.
"We see 'recognition' applied to ideas that actually maintain 'denial.' We see 'self-government' used to refer to ideas or processes that actually maintain control over others."
A month earlier, in late August, high-profile First Nations leaders and legal experts wrote a letter to Trudeau calling for a reset of how Bennett was handling the co-development process for the framework.
The letter stated a preference for dealing with Wilson-Raybould to place the process on "the proper path."
Bennett had led the engagement process with Indigenous groups across the country following Trudeau's speech in the House of Commons on Feb. 14, 2018 announcing the framework.
Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau met with Wilson-Raybould while she was justice
minister to discuss a 'policy standoff' with Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Carolyn Bennett, left. (Adrian Wyld/CP)
Bennett
was caught up in a mini-scandal that July during the AFN election in
Vancouver — where the framework became a campaign issue — after she met
with Alberta chiefs on the same morning ballots were being cast for the
next national chief.
Wernick said the Sept. 17 meeting between Trudeau and Wilson-Raybould marked the beginning of the end of efforts to table the framework that fall. He said the issue was then referred to the cabinet sub-committee on reconciliation and later to cabinet.
"There was a decision not to proceed with the rights and recognition framework," he said.
CBC News reported in mid-November that the framework would not be tabled.
Wernick said cabinet had decided to focus on the promised Indigenous languages legislation, which was tabled in late January, and Indigenous child welfare legislation, which has yet to be put on the notice paper.
First Nation drummers pound out a song during a rally on Parliament Hill on Dec. 4, 2018, held to protest the framework. (Jorge Barrera/CBC)
On
Nov. 29, Wilson-Raybould delivered a speech in Vancouver where she
expressed frustration with the resistance she faced within government in
her push for Indigenous rights.
"Within government, when discussing matters of Indigenous rights, one still often finds a seeming disproportionate focus on 'risk' — speculation that the sky may fall," Wilson-Raybould said, according to a transcript of the speech.
Bennett's office, referring to a December 2018 statement on the issue, indicated that the government is still committed to getting the framework "right," while pushing other policy changes.
In his testimony, Wernick praised Bennett and defended her against "vile" social media criticisms.
"I am deeply hurt on behalf of Minister Bennett that her reputation has been trolled over the last little while," said Wernick. "There has been no Canadian who has worked harder on Indigenous reconciliation than the honourable Carolyn Bennett."
Wernick also denied a Globe and Mail report that said he privately rebuked Wilson-Raybould over her speeches on Indigenous rights.
"I am telling you, it didn't happen," he said.
Wernick said he has known Wilson-Raybould for 15 years and considered her a "partner, ally and friend." He said Wilson-Raybould never wanted to take on any Indigenous affairs roles in cabinet because she didn't want to be the "Indian agent" over her people.
"We walked the path together ... through many episodes in the journey toward Indigenous reconciliation," said Wernick.
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick said a Sept. 17, 2018, meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Wilson-Raybould, which has emerged as a key event in the SNC-Lavalin affair, was actually in response to cabinet tensions over the direction of the promised recognition and implementation of an Indigenous rights framework.
The framework was meant to enshrine the Constitution's section 35, which affirms Aboriginal rights, in federal law, allowing First Nations to reconstitute their governance structures outside the Indian Act.
Trudeau announced the framework during a speech in the House of Commons in February 2018.
Wernick said the prime minister met with Wilson-Raybould to discuss "very serious policy differences" between the former justice minister, Bennett and other ministers over the framework.
"He was aware because he had been briefed both by the Privy Council Office and his political staff that there was something of a policy standoff among his ministers," said Wernick during testimony before the justice committee, Thursday.
"There were different views on a very significant thing. And we were trying to find a way, essentially I would call it a form of conciliation or mediation, to bring people together."
The committee is holding hearings into the SNC-Lavalin affair, which were triggered by a Globe and Mail report that alleged Wilson-Raybould was pressured by the PMO to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Montreal-based engineering giant.
Wilson-Raybould is expected to testify next week.
Wernick said that he took the lead on the Indigenous framework file because Trudeau and senior PMO officials were consumed by trade negotiations with the U.S.
He said Trudeau was growing "impatient" in September with the slow pace of work on the framework, which was then facing a nascent organized resistance that echoed the early days of the Idle No More movement.
"He was concerned we were losing momentum and traction heading into the last year of the mandate on the rights framework," said Wernick.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde said in a Sept. 11 speech during the forum that the Trudeau government, which wanted to introduce the framework by the fall, needed to slow down the process.
First Nations leaders wanted Wilson-Raybould to lead file
In a speech at the University of Saskatchewan on Sept. 13, Wilson-Raybould seemed to take a swipe at the discussion paper on the rights framework produced by Bennett's department.
"But words are also easy, cheap ... too often we see the tendency — especially in politics — to use important words that have real meaning and importance, carelessly," said Wilson-Raybould, according to a transcript of her speech.
"We see 'recognition' applied to ideas that actually maintain 'denial.' We see 'self-government' used to refer to ideas or processes that actually maintain control over others."
A month earlier, in late August, high-profile First Nations leaders and legal experts wrote a letter to Trudeau calling for a reset of how Bennett was handling the co-development process for the framework.
The letter stated a preference for dealing with Wilson-Raybould to place the process on "the proper path."
Bennett had led the engagement process with Indigenous groups across the country following Trudeau's speech in the House of Commons on Feb. 14, 2018 announcing the framework.
Wernick said the Sept. 17 meeting between Trudeau and Wilson-Raybould marked the beginning of the end of efforts to table the framework that fall. He said the issue was then referred to the cabinet sub-committee on reconciliation and later to cabinet.
"There was a decision not to proceed with the rights and recognition framework," he said.
CBC News reported in mid-November that the framework would not be tabled.
Wernick said cabinet had decided to focus on the promised Indigenous languages legislation, which was tabled in late January, and Indigenous child welfare legislation, which has yet to be put on the notice paper.
"Within government, when discussing matters of Indigenous rights, one still often finds a seeming disproportionate focus on 'risk' — speculation that the sky may fall," Wilson-Raybould said, according to a transcript of the speech.
Wilson-Raybould didn't want to be 'Indian Agent'
Bennett's office, referring to a December 2018 statement on the issue, indicated that the government is still committed to getting the framework "right," while pushing other policy changes.
In his testimony, Wernick praised Bennett and defended her against "vile" social media criticisms.
"I am deeply hurt on behalf of Minister Bennett that her reputation has been trolled over the last little while," said Wernick. "There has been no Canadian who has worked harder on Indigenous reconciliation than the honourable Carolyn Bennett."
Wernick also denied a Globe and Mail report that said he privately rebuked Wilson-Raybould over her speeches on Indigenous rights.
"I am telling you, it didn't happen," he said.
Wernick said he has known Wilson-Raybould for 15 years and considered her a "partner, ally and friend." He said Wilson-Raybould never wanted to take on any Indigenous affairs roles in cabinet because she didn't want to be the "Indian agent" over her people.
"We walked the path together ... through many episodes in the journey toward Indigenous reconciliation," said Wernick.
About the Author
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-wernick-clerk-privy-council-1.5029212
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick: What's his job description? How much power does he hold?
As SNC-Lavalin scandal continues, Wernick's appearance before MPs shines light on key government role
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick sat before a committee of MPs Thursday and explained that he was holding a position that has existed in one form or another for 800 years.
While Canada has been a country for a much shorter period, in the U.K. the privy council has served to advise monarchs on legislation, justice and the functioning of government for centuries.
Wernick's appearance before the justice committee served to open the door of Canada's "private council" and shed some light on the role of the privy council clerk in a democratically elected government.
In Canada, the clerk holds three positions. The first is to act as the deputy minister for the prime minister, fulfilling a bureaucratic role. The second is to be secretary of the federal cabinet and the third is to act as the head of the federal public service.
Wernick laid out that part of the job but more importantly he detailed how he fulfilled those roles with respect to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office in the ongoing court case involving SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
Wernick said that he did, in fact, speak with Wilson-Raybould about the decision to prosecute the firm, making the case that there would be economic consequences for the Montréal-based company and its 9,000 plus Canadian employees if she chose to disregard the remediation option.
While no former clerks of the privy council would speak to CBC News on the record, a source with intimate knowledge of the position explained that making a strong case to Wilson-Raybould to seek remediation was an entirely justified position for the clerk to take.
Clerks 'want good decision making'
The source said that the clerk's role, in a sense, makes them responsible for cabinet decision making by ensuring the appropriate steps are taken to execute cabinet decisions.
The clerk also has the responsibility to ensure that the public interest is considered in cabinet decisions.
"It is perfectly legitimate for the clerk to call the attorney general and and say: 'have you considered employment in Montreal' in the decision they are going to make," the source said.
Watch Michael Wernick address MPs:
Wernick says there was no inappropriate pressure on Wilson-Raybould
Michael Wernick the Clerk of the Privy Council spoke to the Commons Justice committee on Thursday 3:39
"An effective clerk will make sure that ministers have these facts because they also want good decision making. They want everything on the table for them to take into account," David McLaughlin, a former chief of staff to Brian Mulroney and deputy minister to New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord, told CBC News Network's Power & Politics.
Appropriate vs. inappropriate pressure
The source also said that the line between appropriate pressure and pressure that crosses the line is not complicated.
If, in the case of Wilson-Raybould, the prime minister told her that she had to make a specific decision or she would be kicked out of cabinet, that would be crossing the line, the source said.
Watch David McLaughlin discuss the job of privy council clerk:
Power and Politics
Wernick's testimony: SNC-Lavalin controversy
Brian Mulroney's former chief of staff David McLaughlin weighs in on the first day of the justice committee's probe. 8:23
"There is nothing wrong with that whatsoever, and it doesn't matter who the prime minister uses as his messenger, whether it's the clerk, a member of the PMO's staff or [he] tells the minister himself," the source said.
Cabinet confidence
The clerk is also responsible for determining what documents or discussions are covered by cabinet confidence and ensuring that cabinet confidences persist. All of his rulings are final and cannot be appealed to a court.
So if the clerk decides that a conversation or written correspondence between two ministers or a minister and the prime minister are a cabinet confidence, then the content of that discussion remains confidential.
"His job is not political at all," said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto. "I'll define the clerk this way: it's operationally oriented but politically sensitive. In contrast, the Prime Minister's Office is politically oriented but has to be operationally sensitive."
Wiseman said the role is "absolutely non-partisan."
That's something McLaughlin said Wernick demonstrated well during his appearance at committee. While the position is non-partisan, the prime minister can appoint whomever he wants to the role.
"His job is not to give political advice," said Wiseman.
The clerk is there to anticipate issues or concerns that will arise as a direct result of policy decisions and to inform the prime minister of what those are.
"That's part of the background analysis, basically trying to assess what will be the consequences of a particular decision, what are the pros, what are the cons," said Yan Campagnolo, assistant law professor at the University of Ottawa. "Certainly that's something that public servants do in general, and the clerk is at the top of the pyramid."
Watch Wernick criticize media coverage of the SNC-Lavalin case:
CBC News
Full statement by Michael Wernick
‘I'm here to say to you
that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation
and, in some cases, is simply defamatory,’ Wernick, Clerk of the Privy
Council, said. 5:31
Top civil servant slams SNC-Lavalin media report as erroneous, 'defamatory'
Privy Council Office clerk Michael Wernick delivers blunt testimony at justice committee
Canada's top civil servant has refuted a bombshell media report that alleged political interference in the criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, claiming it included "errors" and "unfounded speculation" and was "defamatory."
Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick was referring to a Feb. 7 Globe and Mail report that touched off a political scandal and triggered the resignation of cabinet minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's principal secretary, Gerry Butts.
"I'm here to say to you that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation and, in some cases, is simply defamatory," he said.
The article — citing unnamed, anonymous sources — said that Trudeau's aides attempted to press Wilson-Raybould, while attorney general, to intervene in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, and that exasperation with her lack of co-operation was one reason for shuffling her out of the justice portfolio.
Wernick said he never witnessed any inappropriate pressure on Wilson-Raybould by Trudeau or any officials in the PMO.
CBC News
Full statement by Michael Wernick
‘I'm here to say to you
that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation
and, in some cases, is simply defamatory,’ Wernick, Clerk of the Privy
Council, said. 5:31
Wernick, who met with representatives of SNC-Lavalin on Sept. 18, 2018 — after the company had been turned down on its request to avoid criminal proceedings — said the firm was "making the rounds" to make a pitch to avoid prosecution. He said he could not remember whether the company advised him that it had been told the Public Prosecution Service of Canada had rejected its request.
"I can tell you with complete assurance that my view of those conversations is that they were within the boundaries of what's lawful and appropriate. I was informing the minister of context. She may have another view of the conversation, but that's something the ethics commissioner could sort out," he said.
Wernick repeatedly insisted there was no inappropriate pressure placed on Wilson-Raybould at any time — but if she felt that she was being put under pressure, she could have filed a complaint with the ethics commissioner or reported any perceived wrongdoing to the prime minister.
In his opening remarks to the committee, Wernick said he's worried about the state of politics in Canada right now, citing the threat of foreign interference in the coming election and the use of words like 'treason' and 'traitor' in political discourse.
"Those are the words that lead to assassination," he said. "I'm worried that somebody's going to get shot this year during the political campaign."
Earlier today, Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti told the committee he has never faced inappropriate pressure from the prime minister or anyone in the PMO, and would take action if any official tried to direct his actions improperly.
In the hot seat as the first witness in justice committee hearings on the SNC-Lavalin affair, Lametti said he would not "speculate" on "what others might or might not do" but would only explain how he would respond to political pressure.
"I would take, under the circumstances, a number of different actions," he said.
Trudeau appointed Lametti to the post in a January cabinet shuffle that demoted Wilson-Raybould from the Department of Justice to Veterans Affairs.
She resigned from that position a week later, just days after the Globe and Mail reported that she had been pressured by officials in the Prime Minister's Office to stop criminal prosecution against SNC-Lavalin, a Quebec-based global engineering and construction firm facing charges of bribery and fraud related to contracts in Libya.
The Liberal government changed the Criminal Code in 2018 to introduce such remediation agreements as an option for cases of corporate wrongdoing in Canada.
Lametti said the legislative regime was addressing a perceived "gap" in the law and is meant to hold corporations to account while protecting bystanders who could be harmed by a criminal prosecution and possible bankruptcy — such as a corporation's employees, subcontractors and third-party suppliers.
Similar compliance tools — which can impose fines in lieu of prosecution — are also available in the U.S. and the U.K.
Lametti said he only had general knowledge of the SNC-Lavalin case before he was appointed to cabinet and did not discuss it with Trudeau before his appointment.
Nathalie Drouin, deputy justice minister and deputy attorney general also appeared at the committee.
Conservative deputy leader and justice critic Lisa Raitt pointed to a Globe and Mail report published today which says Wilson-Raybould told federal cabinet ministers Tuesday she believed it was improper for PMO officials to press her to help SNC-Lavalin avoid criminal prosecution.
Wilson-Raybould took the unprecedented step of requesting permission to address cabinet, and was allowed to do so after vigorous debate among ministers.
Raitt said if the account in the Globe and Mail is accurate, Lametti has a responsibility to act.
"If he believes a former attorney general was improperly pressured — he has testimony of that from her, as was being reported by the Globe and Mail — then he has a greater burden than being loyal to the cabinet. At that point in time he's got a loyalty to the country," she told CBC News.
Polling fallout
The political fallout since the Feb. 7 Globe and Mail report has been heavy for the Trudeau government.
The opposition Conservatives and NDP have called for a public inquiry and have demanded Trudeau waive solicitor-client privilege so Wilson-Raybould can speak freely on the matter during her appearance before the committee, expected sometime next week.
The CBC's Poll Tracker, an aggregation of all publicly available polls, shows the scandal is taking a toll on the Liberals. It puts the Liberals and Conservatives neck-and-neck in voting intentions and virtually tied in the number of seats each party would be likely to win if an election were held today.
On Wednesday, Wilson-Raybould abstained from a vote in the House of Commons on an NDP motion calling for an inquiry because she was personally involved in the matter. She said she can't waive client-solicitor privilege on her own.
"I understand fully that Canadians want to know the truth and want transparency," she said. "Privilege and confidentiality are not mine to waive, and I hope that I have the opportunity to speak my truth."
Raitt said she is convinced public pressure will mount for a public inquiry.
During an event in Halifax Thursday, Trudeau said he remains "surprised and disappointed" by Wilson-Raybould's resignation from cabinet. He cited cabinet confidentiality and said the government is working to create good jobs and protect an independent judiciary.
"We will always do that in the right way," he said.
Lametti said the issue of waiving solicitor-client privilege is "complexed and layered." He said he is seeking a way to ensure transparency and fairness without compromising cabinet confidentiality or legal proceedings, but could not say if he would made a decision before Wilson-Raybould appears at committee..
Politics News
Trudeau asked about Wilson-Raybould in NS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes a stop in Dartmouth and is asked about Justin Wilson-Raybould by the CBC's Paul Withers 1:54
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-michael-wernick-partisan-going-be-shot-1.5028503
'Somebody is going to be shot': Top bureaucrat says partisan mudslinging has gone too far
'I'm deeply concerned about my country right now and its politics,' Michael Wernick says
Canada's
most senior federal public servant says he is worried about the nation
and the state of its political discourse — fearing it has sunk to such
lows that it could lead to an assassination attempt during the next
federal election campaign.
Michael Wernick, the clerk of the Privy Council of Canada — the man tasked with serving the prime minister and his cabinet — prefaced his testimony on the SNC-Lavalin affair with commentary on what he describes as a "vomitorium of social media" fuelled by unreasonable partisans who have been dangerously whipped up by politicians.
"I'm deeply concerned about my country right now and its politics and where it's headed," Wernick told the Commons justice committee today.
It is unusual for a civil servant of his stature to speak so candidly in such a public forum.
Wernick, a career public servant who has worked in senior roles under both Conservative and Liberal prime ministers, said he finds recent remarks by Conservative Saskatchewan Sen. David Tkachuk at a recent rally particularly distasteful.
Michael Wernick, the clerk of the Privy Council of Canada — the man tasked with serving the prime minister and his cabinet — prefaced his testimony on the SNC-Lavalin affair with commentary on what he describes as a "vomitorium of social media" fuelled by unreasonable partisans who have been dangerously whipped up by politicians.
"I'm deeply concerned about my country right now and its politics and where it's headed," Wernick told the Commons justice committee today.
It is unusual for a civil servant of his stature to speak so candidly in such a public forum.
Wernick, a career public servant who has worked in senior roles under both Conservative and Liberal prime ministers, said he finds recent remarks by Conservative Saskatchewan Sen. David Tkachuk at a recent rally particularly distasteful.
CBC News
Full statement by Michael Wernick
‘I'm here to say to you
that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation
and, in some cases, is simply defamatory,’ Wernick, Clerk of the Privy
Council, said. 5:31
Tkachuk said that only then would two particularly controversial pieces of legislation — Bill C-48, the B.C. north coast tanker ban bill, and Bill C-69, the overhaul of environmental assessment legislation — be withdrawn.
"Because when they're gone, these bills are gone," he said.
While he didn't mention Tkachuk by name, Wernick made it clear that he was directing his comments at the senator.
"I think it's totally unacceptable that a member of the Parliament of Canada would incite people to drive trucks over people after what happened in Toronto last summer. Totally unacceptable. And I hope you, as parliamentarians, are going to condemn that," Wernick said.
In a statement to CBC News, Tkachuk said that while his comments "may not have been as artful" as he would have liked, he will not apologize for them.
The Saskatchewan senator said Liberals have "manufactured outrage" over his remarks in order to distract from the government's record on the oil and gas industry.
"When I said I wanted them to roll over every single Liberal, I meant it figuratively, not literally. I was referring to defeating every single Liberal in the upcoming election. I was not advocating violence and I think everybody knows that, except those for whom it serves a purpose to interpret them otherwise. Certainly the people at the rally knew what I meant," Tkachuk said in his statement.
Wernick also took issue with the use of terms like "treason" and "traitor" to describe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
There were placards and signs at the "United We Roll" rally that accused Trudeau of treason over his perceived disdain for the energy sector and his government's policies on immigration and asylum — policies described by some of those protests signs as embracing "open borders."
The senior bureaucrat also defended Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett against critics who have been claiming online that she's ill-equipped to handle the Indigenous reconciliation file, saying nobody else in Canada has done more to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples than the Toronto-area minister.
"Should Canadians be concerned about the rule of law in this country? No," Wernick said.
"I'm here to say to you that the Globe and Mail article contains errors, unfounded speculation and, in some cases, is simply defamatory."
Wernick testified Thursday he did not inappropriately influence Wilson-Raybould to pressure the director of public prosecutions to sign a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with SNC-Lavalin. Trudeau and his former principal secretary, Gerry Butts — who resigned this week in response to the allegations — have also denied any wrongdoing.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel chided Wernick for his remarks Thursday, saying he overstepped in criticizing Conservative parliamentarians and the convoy.
"To any public servant watching Wernick — do not use him as your model on how to be a non-partisan professional," she tweeted.
Rempel said his remarks were "purposely designed to deflect reporting" from the larger SNC-Lavalin matter. (The CBC News story about that portion of the meeting can be found here.)
Conserative MPs also have cited the prime minister's description of them as "ambulance chasers" — for questioning the transfer of child-killer Terri Lynne McClintic to a Saskatchewan healing lodge — as an unfair partisan potshot.
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