OTTAWA – Andrew Scheer, the Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Leader of the Official Opposition, said he would welcome court proceedings on the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal after receiving a lawsuit threat from Justin Trudeau.
“I believe this an attempt to stifle criticism of Justin Trudeau, that this is a bullying attempt to try to prevent me from doing my constitutional duty as leader of the Opposition,” Scheer says. “This is what Justin Trudeau does when you stand up to him. He threatens you. He did it to Jody Wilson-Raybould and now he’s doing it to us,” Scheer adds. “Like her, we will not back down. We will continue to do our jobs, hold him to account, and get to the bottom of this.”
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer on PM's threat of lawsuit re SNC-Lavalin comments:
"I believe this an attempt to stifle criticism of Justin Trudeau, that this is a bullying attempt to try to prevent me from doing my constitutional duty as leader of the Opposition…" #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/8QKANDIh0s
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 7, 2019
The Conservative leader made the announcement at a press conference in Ottawa on Sunday. The Prime Minister’s attorney sent a letter to the Conservative leader at the end of March. Andrew Scheer’s attorney responded today.
This issue broke into the news on February 6, 2019, and so far has led to the resignation of Mr. Butts, Prime Minister Trudeau’s Principal Secretary, two Liberal cabinet ministers, former Attorney General and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Doctor Jane Philpot – both of whom have since been expelled from the Liberal Caucus and their ability to run as Liberal candidates rescinded. The Clerk of the Privy Council also announced his early retirement.
The Liberal Justice Committee has heard from Jody Wilson-Raybould, along with Mr. Butts and the Clerk of the Privy Council.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated the issue is false, in response to the first reports in the Globe and Mail newspaper in February.
Mr. Scheer received a letter from Justin Trudeau’s lawyer on March 31 threatening a lawsuit over Mr. Scheer’s criticisms of Trudeau’s conduct in the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal.
Mr. Scheer released that letter today and also released a letter his lawyer sent today in response, dismissing Trudeau’s claims and urging him to proceed with the lawsuit so Canadians get finally get the answers they deserve on the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal.
“If Mr. Trudeau believes he has a case against me, I urge him to follow through on his threat immediately. Canadians want this scandal to be investigated in a legal setting where Liberals do not control the proceedings,” Scheer said.
“I welcome the opportunity to examine Mr. Trudeau in pre-trial discovery at the earliest possible date and I look forward to Mr. Trudeau presenting his evidence to Canadians under oath in open court.”
Scheer also called the lawsuit threat an intimidation tactic intended to scare Conservatives away from pressing for answers on the scandal.
Letter from PM Trudeau’s Attorney to Conservative Leader
Trudeau to Scheer – March 3… by on Scribd
Letter from Conservative Leader to Prime Minister’s Attorney
Scheer to Trudeau – April 7… by on Scribd
