OTTAWA – POLITICS – Jody Wilson-Raybould has resigned from the Liberal cabinet.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould says “It is with a heavy heart” that she resigned.
The former Attorney General and Minister of Veteran’s Affairs sent the letter today. This after Prime Minister Trudeau stated yesterday that he and Wilson-Raybould had talked in recent days.
Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition today called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to preserve all documents relating to the ongoing SNC-Lavalin Affair after the cabinet resignation of Jody Wilson-Raybould.
In a letter sent to Trudeau this afternoon, Scheer called on him to ensure all documents including “memos, letters, emails, pins, SMS messages, and handwritten notes” pertaining to the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin be preserved amidst the pending cabinet shuffle to replace Ms. Wilson-Raybould.
The request applies to records held by former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould, Attorney General David Lametti, and senior Prime Minister’s Office officials including, but not limited to, Katie Telford, Gerald Butts, Mathieu Bouchard, and Elder Marques.
“With Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s resignation from cabinet, and a cabinet shuffle imminent, it’s absolutely imperative that Mr. Trudeau ensure the preservation of these records,” Scheer said. “Canadians deserve to know the truth around what happened and these records must be preserved.”
Scheer also said Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s resignation is a sign of a government in disarray.
“Mr. Trudeau’s ethical lapses and his disastrous handling of this latest scandal have thrown his government into chaos,” Scheer said. “He promised Canadians open and transparent government and he has betrayed that promise. Canadians deserve better.”
Resignation Letter
Dear Prime Minister,
With a heavy heart, I am writing to tender my resignation as the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
I want to thank all Canadians, and in particular the residents of Vancouver-Granville, who put their trust in
me and supported me as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and as the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. When I sought federal elected office, it was with the goal of implementing a positive and progressive vision of change on behalf of all Canadians and a different way of doing politics. My resignation as a Minister of the Crown in no way changes my commitment to seeing that fundamental change achieved. This work must and will carry on.
To Canada’s Veterans and their families: I have the deepest admiration and respect for you. This decision is in no way a reflection of my desire to see your service and sacrifice upheld and honoured. I only wish that I could have served you longer.
To my officials and ministerial staff: thank you for your hard work in the service of all Canadians. I am truly grateful for all that you have done and will continue to do.
I am aware that many Canadians wish for me speak on matters that have been in the media over the last week. I am in the process of obtaining advice on the topics that I am legally permitted to discuss in this matter and as such, have retained the Honourable Thomas Albert Cromwell, CC as counsel.
Again, my thanks to all Canadians. Regardless of background, geography, or party affiliation, we must stand together for the values that Canada is built on, and which are the foundation for our future.
I look forward to continuing to serve as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville.
Respectfully,
Puglaas
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, PC, QC, MP
Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville
