Andrew Scheer to launch inquiry into SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal

A new Conservative government would take measures to safeguard against abuse of power

In Justin Trudeau’s
riding of Papineau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer announced today that a
new Conservative government would launch a judicial inquiry into the
SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal.

A new Conservative government will also introduce the No More Cover-Ups Act to allow the RCMP to access information protected by cabinet confidence by making an application to the Supreme Court of Canada. This will prevent corrupt politicians from hiding behind cabinet confidence to escape police investigation.

As confirmed by
hours of Parliamentary testimony, taped conversations, and an Ethics
Commissioner’s guilty verdict, Trudeau politically interfered in SNC-Lavalin’s
criminal prosecution by trying to “circumvent, undermine, and ultimately attempt
to discredit” former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould.

However, to
this day, Trudeau refuses to waive cabinet confidence, keeping important
details of the scandal secret and preventing several key witnesses, including
Ms. Wilson-Raybould, from disclosing evidence.

“Justin Trudeau
has covered up his role in the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal every step of the
way,” Scheer said. “He blocked three Parliamentary investigations, refused to
co-operate with the Ethics Commissioner, and is currently blocking the RCMP
from obtaining key evidence. As Prime Minister, I will call a judicial inquiry
so Canadians can finally get the answers they deserve.”

“No longer will
a corrupt Prime Minister be able to be the gatekeeper of his own misconduct,”
said Scheer. “These measures will safeguard our democracy against the whims of
sleazy and unscrupulous politicians. Justin Trudeau has so far avoided
consequence for the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal, but the Canadian people
will deliver their verdict on October 21.”

FACTS:

In
2017, Justin Trudeau became the first Prime Minister in Canadian history to be
found guilty of breaking ethics laws for accepting a vacation from a lobbyist.
In August, he was found guilty again for his role in the SNC-Lavalin corruption
scandal.
Trudeau
abused the power of his office to shut down two separate Ethics Committee
investigations and a Justice Committee investigation.
In
his final report, Trudeau II, Ethics
Commissioner Mario Dion noted, “During this examination, nine witnesses
informed our Office that they had information they believed to be relevant, but
that could not be disclosed because, according to them, this information would
reveal a confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council and would fall outside the
scope of Order in Council 2019-0105.”
Right
before the election, Canadians learned the RCMP is being prevented from
investigating possible obstruction of justice because Trudeau refuses to waive
cabinet confidence.

ANDREW
SCHEER’S PLAN FOR YOU TO GET AHEAD:

Scrap the Trudeau Carbon Tax, lowering the cost of everyday essentials like gas, groceries, and home heating.
Introduce the Universal Tax Cut, saving an average couple $850.
Take the GST off home heating costs, saving your family $107 every year.
Introduce the Green Public Transit Tax Credit, saving a family of four who take transit up to $1,000.
Make maternity benefits tax-free, putting up to $4,000 back in the pockets of new parents.
Introduce the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, allowing parents to claim up to $1,000 for sports activities.
Introduce the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit, letting parents claim up to $500 for arts and learning programs.
Expand the Age Credit, benefiting the lowest income Canadians the most and giving a senior couple up to $300.
Boost the RESP matching by 50 per cent, helping parents get more for their kids’ education.