Former ethics commissioner suggests change to rules, after PM’s controversial vacation

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The former ethics commissioner who found Prime Minister Justin Trudeau broke federal rules by taking a vacation on the Aga Khan’s private island is testifying before a committee about her report.

She says her finding should serve as a warning.

Through questioning from both Liberal and Opposition MPs, Mary Dawson is standing by her report, saying all the facts have been laid out.

But in conversation with the NDP’s Nathan Cullen, Dawson says all politicians should take note of her findings, especially when dealing with people they consider friends.

“If my old school buddy is also somebody who lobbies the government,” began Cullen.

Dawson cut in, saying “Then you better be careful.”

Trudeau had defended the vacation, saying it was a trip to see a family friend, which is an exception to the rule. But Dawson didn’t buy it. In fact, during her testimony, she says she wants that provision taken out of the Conflict of Interest Act.

“I think it would just remove a bunch of confusion from it,” Dawson told Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine Smith.

“Which maybe led to this situation in the first place, that confusion,” responded Erskine Smith.

“Yeah. I think it might help,” said Dawson.

Dawson also refuses to wade into the debate about whether or not Trudeau should be appearing at committee to take questions. Liberals have used their majority to shoot down opposition efforts to do just that.

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