Trudeau says ethics watchdog to decide truth in SNC-Lavalin affair

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will be up to the country’s ethics watchdog to decide who is telling the truth in the SNC-Lavalin affair — himself, or former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould.

On Wednesday, Wilson-Raybould detailed what she described as a relentless campaign, including veiled threats from Trudeau, his senior staff, the top public servant and the finance minister’s office for her to intervene and order a “remediation agreement” for the company to help it avoid criminal corruption charges.

Speaking in suburban Montreal this morning, Trudeau says he’s now had a chance to fully review Wilson-Raybould’s testimony and says he still believes his team acted appropriately and says he disagrees with her characterization of events.

RELATED: Trudeau disagrees with Wilson-Raybould’s recounting of SNC-Lavalin events

Trudeau says it will be up to the ethics commissioner, Mario Dion, to decide if there was wrongdoing.

“it’s an agent of parliament whose job it is to determine you know what is exactly happening when there are disagreements amongst elected officials,” Trudeau told reporters.

He says there is “no doubt” talks didn’t cross any legal lines and that Canadians expect their government to look for ways to protect jobs and expand the economy while respecting the rule of law.

As for Wilson-Raybould’s future as a Liberal, Trudeau says he is still mulling over whether she will be allowed to remain in caucus.

An emergency debate is being held Thursday night in the House of Commons following the explosive testimony.

Opposition calls for police investigation

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has written a letter to the RCMP Commissioner, asking the force to investigate the SNC controversy, noting there may have been obstruction of justice.

“We need to hold those who are trying to commit these acts responsible,” he says.

During her testimony, Wilson-Raybould said she doesn’t believe anything illegal occurred, although noted the pressure was very inappropriate.

The RCMP has received the letter and is reviewing the request, but can’t comment on whether or not there is an investigation.

Trudeau says his office has not been contacted by the Mounties, and suggests this is a matter for the ethics commissioner.

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