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Bombshell PMO interference allegations ‘extremely damaging’ to judicial system; Wilson-Raybould’s inability to refute allegations creates ‘bizarre’ dynamic in cabinet, say pundits
By Neil Moss & Abbas Rana Feb. 11, 2019
The non-denial by former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould is a 'major problem for the government,' says Tim Powers.
Jody Wilson-Raybould was shuffled from Justice to Veterans Affairs on Jan. 14, 2019. The Globe and Mail reported last week that the Prime Minister's Office attempted to press Ms. Wilson-Raybould when she was justice minister to help SNC-Lavalin avoid a criminal prosecution, but Ms. Raybould said she couldn't comment because she is bound by solicitor-client privilege in the matter. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould’s inability to refute the allegations in last week’s Globe and Mail report of attempted political interference in the justice system by the PMO is creating a “bizarre” dynamic in the cabinet, which is “uncharted territory,” say Conservative and Liberal political insiders, and a former Tory justice minister and attorney general says the alleged interference undermines Canada’s “entire” justice system.
Abbas RanaAbbas Rana is the assistant deputy editor of The Hill Times. He reports on the Parliamentary caucuses, nomination contests, political leadership campaigns, Elections Act laws, and the Senate. Abbas loves to chat with sources on-the-record or on not-for- attribution basis especially when they have verifiable story tips that could be followed as news stories. Brown envelopes are also always a lot of interest to him. Born and raised in Pakistan, Abbas speaks Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. When not chasing politicians down on the Hill, he likes to watch cricket and movies.
Follow - arana@hilltimes.com
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