Global Courant 2023-05-24 20:58:57
OTTAWA –
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet joins conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre in refusing to review classified information that led a watchdog to advise against a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference.
Blanchet told reporters in Ottawa today that the briefing is “a stupid trap,” saying it is a way for the Liberal government to smooth over the issue by notifying opposition leaders — then limiting what they can say about what they have learned.
Special Rapporteur David Johnston advised the government to provide necessary security clearances to other leaders to fully review his first report released on Tuesday, including a confidential appendix containing materials he used to reach his conclusions.
The former governor-general said in the report that the intelligence he assessed should be kept secret, and while he understands that opposition leaders do not want to be constrained by security laws, the issue is too important for the country’s potential future leaders to be deliberately ignorant of. to stay. .
Poilièvre said he does not intend to participate and does not want to be muzzled, but promises to conduct a public inquiry if the Conservatives form the next government.
The Tory leader said in Toronto today that a judge experienced in handling national security cases should be the one to decide what information should be kept secret and what could be made public if an investigation were launched.
Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has also said he believes a public inquiry is needed, but told reporters on Tuesday he plans to obtain the necessary security clearances to see Johnston’s full report.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on May 24, 2023.
Opposition rejects Johnston report on briefing
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