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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks Jody and Gerry should admit they read my Statement of Claim (Federal Court File No T-1557-15) and paid particular attention to paragraph 83 about Trudeau yet did nothing N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/03/nothing-happened-here-beyond-normal.html
#nbpoli#cdnpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/butts-snc-lavalin-wilson-raybould-1.5044704
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Gerald Butts, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former top aide, testified Wednesday there was no intention on the government's part to pressure Jody Wilson-Raybould to change her mind on the criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, and official engagements were meant only to ensure she had the full facts on the impact of a potential conviction.
"I am firmly convinced that nothing happened here beyond the normal operations of government," he told the Commons justice committee.
At all times, he said, the prime minister made it clear that the decision to prosecute or not was Wilson-Raybould's alone to make as attorney general, but that the issue merited robust discussion and consideration because there were so many jobs at risk.
Butts said highly trained legal staff worked on the file to ensure no line was crossed in engagements with the then-attorney general. He said the objective was to underscore the impact of a prosecution, including the thousands of jobs at stake.
Those discussions continued because Wilson-Raybould never informed the prime minister or other officials in writing of her decision, he said, leading people to believe that new information could come to light that would affect the decision. Butts said he first learned her decision was final in her committee testimony last week.
Butts also insisted Wilson-Raybould's move to the Veterans Affairs portfolio in a Jan. 14 cabinet shuffle had nothing to do with the SNC-Lavalin matter.
He said he did not want to quarrel with or discredit Wilson-Raybould but would offer a "different version of events," backed up by his own notes, text messages and conversations with other officials.
"It was not about second-guessing the decision. It was about ensuring that the attorney general was making her decision with the absolute best evidence possible," Butts said.
He said officials always understood the final call on whether to override a decision by the independent director of public prosecutions rested with Wilson-Raybould as attorney general.
Because of the enormous impact of her decision, officials suggested getting an independent opinion from a former retired Supreme Court justice such as Beverley McLachlin, the former chief justice.
"If this was wrong, and wrong in the way it is alleged to have been wrong, why are we having this discussion now and not in the middle of September, or October, or November, or December?"
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Butts also disputed Wilson-Raybould's testimony last week — that she believed she was shuffled over the SNC-Lavalin matter — insisting Trudeau tried to avoid a shuffle because he was "happy with his team."
The prime minister tried unsuccessfully to have Scott Brison change his mind about resigning as Treasury Board president, Butts said. Having moved Jane Philpott to the position, he said, Trudeau asked Wilson-Raybould to take on the Indigenous Services portfolio, which she refused.
Butts said the PMO was surprised by her refusal, as cabinet decisions are "not the product of shared decision-making." But he said he tried to reassure her that her eventual move to Veterans Affairs had nothing to do with the SNC-Lavalin matter.
"I was deeply concerned by what the minister was saying. I tried to counter her misapprehensions with repeated, and believe me, honest efforts," he said. "In the end, I was unable to do so, and here we are today."
He said he takes responsibility for the "breakdown" in trust with Wilson-Raybould, and ultimately with Philpott.
Philpott resigned from cabinet Monday, citing a loss of confidence in the government's handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair.
Butts's two-hour appearance began at 10 a.m. ET and CBCNews.ca has been carrying it live.
Butts resigned Feb. 18 amid a growing controversy over alleged political interference related to a decision to prosecute SNC-Lavalin for bribery charges related to contracts in Libya.
In explosive testimony last week, Wilson-Raybould said she faced intense pressure and veiled threats from 11 officials from the Prime Minister's Office and elsewhere in government.
She said she was contacted through phone calls, meetings and text messages.
"For a period of four months from September to December 2018, I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in my role as the attorney general of Canada in an inappropriate effort to secure a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with SNC-Lavalin," Wilson-Raybould testified.
Towards the end of that meeting at Chateau Laurier, she said, she told Butts that people must stop talking to her about SNC as she had made up her mind and the engagements were inappropriate.
"Gerry then took over the conversation and said how we need a solution on the SNC stuff. He said I needed to find a solution," Wilson-Raybould testified.
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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks Jody and Gerry should admit they read my Statement of Claim (Federal Court File No T-1557-15) and paid particular attention to paragraph 83 about Trudeau yet did nothing N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/03/nothing-happened-here-beyond-normal.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/butts-snc-lavalin-wilson-raybould-1.5044704
'Nothing happened here beyond normal operations of government': Butts speaks out on SNC-Lavalin affair
6809 Comments
Michael Meisner
we need to investigate librals because they too smart
Pat Ferraro
@Michael Meisner - They’re too smart. They’ve been absolutely the dumbest government to date.
Kim Luciano
@Michael Meisner too greasy
Leszek Hoszko
@Michael Meisner Maxwell Smart. Maybe
K BASSO
@Michael Meisner You Mean TOO SNEAKY.
Matt Thuaii
@Michael Meisner
Best government in 40 years...
...by miles.
Best government in 40 years...
...by miles.
Mitch Powers
@Michael Meisner C B C Playing with the likes and dislikes again...
Doug Gray
@Michael Meisner
Democracy Liberal style.
Democracy Liberal style.
bryan cassidy
@Mitch Powers
They do do that. They got me last night. The Liberal Way.
They do do that. They got me last night. The Liberal Way.
Len Evans
@Michael Meisner
Perfect exercise in fence sitting. Call for investigation because they are too smart? Even the Liberals vote to agree... Is that the point?
Perfect exercise in fence sitting. Call for investigation because they are too smart? Even the Liberals vote to agree... Is that the point?
John Dunn
@Michael Meisner Great sentence structure and punctuation. Must be a reformer? :)
Denny O'Brien
@Michael Meisner sure thing comrade
Denny O'Brien
@Matt Thuaii beat gdp to debt in over 40 years
David Amos
@Michael Meisner Methinks thou doth jest too much N'esy Pas?
Jimmy Moore
No second guessing? More than 20 phone calls and meetings in person, many other emails and texts. all for a span of almost 5 months after she told ALL OF THEM her decision was final, and warned them she thought they were interfering, the only people who believe any of this are Liberal shills and insiders, the general public don't believe a word of it. Say bye to the Liberals in Oct.
Guy Stone
@Jimmy Moore. He clearly had a lawyer and a team of politicians involved... He is concerned not just about political fallout but a criminal investigation. Unfortunately, they (Liberals) picked the person in charge of the RCMP so they probably will refuse to investigate but obviously should. SNC already got caught sending over 100K illegally to the Liberals - what else did they offer? The "jobs" story makes no sense as the only thing they would not be able to do if charged is bid on Federal government jobs... another company would do that if they couldn't... It's not like the feds would slash their budgets
Matt Thuaii
@Jimmy Moore
Except the AG decision isn’t final. She established as much during her questioning. She decided that her decision was final...
...which, as we get more and more information, seems to be the true root of the problem...a “problem” the opposition is more than willing to fan if it gives them an advantage.
Except the AG decision isn’t final. She established as much during her questioning. She decided that her decision was final...
...which, as we get more and more information, seems to be the true root of the problem...a “problem” the opposition is more than willing to fan if it gives them an advantage.
Seth Kiraly
@Jimmy Moore
"Nothing to see here folks. Everything was just hunky dory." So why did you quit the PMO then, Mr. Butts?
"Nothing to see here folks. Everything was just hunky dory." So why did you quit the PMO then, Mr. Butts?
Kyle Smith
@Guy Stone "... the RCMP so they probably will refuse to investigate but obviously should."
If that's the case then this should be an easy question for you to answer "What law or section of the criminal code was violated?"
The RCMP won't investigate a quarrel. That's not their job.
If that's the case then this should be an easy question for you to answer "What law or section of the criminal code was violated?"
The RCMP won't investigate a quarrel. That's not their job.
David Amos
@Matt Thuaii ".a “problem” the opposition is more than willing to fan if it gives them an advantage."
Methinks the liberals would do the same N'esy Pas?
Methinks the liberals would do the same N'esy Pas?
Jim Smith
@Jimmy Moore I guess that is business as usual for “sensitive” files.
John Dirlik
@Jimmy Moore
However improper Trudeau’s alleged interference in the judicial process, far more serious was Ottawa (under Harper) turning a blind eye when SNC Lavalin was building prisons (torture chambers) for Gaddafi, as well as its support for the neocon destruction of Libya.
However improper Trudeau’s alleged interference in the judicial process, far more serious was Ottawa (under Harper) turning a blind eye when SNC Lavalin was building prisons (torture chambers) for Gaddafi, as well as its support for the neocon destruction of Libya.
Frank Cow
@Jimmy Moore | Trudeau is getting exactly what he wanted. Cake and eat it. SNC will be prosecuted but Quebec electors know he tried everything, close to broken the law, to protect their job. And the opposition is holding it against him.
Guy Stone
@Kyle Smith obstruction of justice. Thats an easy question to answer. Probably bribery although the Liberals returned the over 100k they received illegally from SNC when caught. If SNC were giving Gadafi's son over 40 million and... what did they give the Liberals in return for making a new law and firing an MP for them
Matt Thuaii
@David Amos
Of course they would...but contrary to popular belief (or unpopular, depending on your perspective)...
...that doesn’t make this illegal, or even a scandal.
Of course they would...but contrary to popular belief (or unpopular, depending on your perspective)...
...that doesn’t make this illegal, or even a scandal.
David Amos
@Matt Thuaii Methinks you should finally read my Statement of Claim (Federal Court File no T-1557-15) and pay particular attention to paragraph 83 N'esy Pas?
Roger Scarisbrick
@Jimmy Moore
JWR did not give her decision to Trudeau in writing...curious.
JWR did not give her decision to Trudeau in writing...curious.
John Dirlik
@david mccaig
Our largest private media (Postmedia) and its flagship National Post further expanded its already impressive reach by merging the editorial desks of hitherto competing newspapers, even though its purchase of Quebecor's Sun chain was approved by the Competition Bureau on the condition they be kept separate.
Our largest private media (Postmedia) and its flagship National Post further expanded its already impressive reach by merging the editorial desks of hitherto competing newspapers, even though its purchase of Quebecor's Sun chain was approved by the Competition Bureau on the condition they be kept separate.
Robert Green
@Seth Kiraly If you actually listened he explained it twice.
James G W Davis
@Jimmy Moore GO Green!
Percy Thrillington
@John Dirlik Conservatives gave AECL to SNC-L for $15 million. An investigation should be opened up regarding the giving away of strategic national assets. Worst deal since Manhattan for 60 guilders.
Steven Arsenault
@Jimmy Moore
The general public have weak minds.....
So would a conservative on here that is smelling blood in the water explain to me why Jody would not be willing to take advice from one of the best legal minds in the country Beverley Mclachlin?
That just seems odd to me and as a non-Liberal supporter I have no issue with the highest office in the land seeking to remain in the loop and question the views of Ms. Raybould.
In fact I now believe the biggest mistake is Justin's BS view on identity politics that places people in positions based on gender over substance.
Take a look at the various countries such as Germany that have done the exact same as JT was hoping to accomplish; the list of these are lengthy; why because it was the best and most expedient decision for the country. At the end of the day he was right and she was wrong. Cons on here could care less about what is best they just want their pound of flesh.
JT needs to go over identity politics not this.
The general public have weak minds.....
So would a conservative on here that is smelling blood in the water explain to me why Jody would not be willing to take advice from one of the best legal minds in the country Beverley Mclachlin?
That just seems odd to me and as a non-Liberal supporter I have no issue with the highest office in the land seeking to remain in the loop and question the views of Ms. Raybould.
In fact I now believe the biggest mistake is Justin's BS view on identity politics that places people in positions based on gender over substance.
Take a look at the various countries such as Germany that have done the exact same as JT was hoping to accomplish; the list of these are lengthy; why because it was the best and most expedient decision for the country. At the end of the day he was right and she was wrong. Cons on here could care less about what is best they just want their pound of flesh.
JT needs to go over identity politics not this.
Rick Wier
@Jimmy Moore a clear rebuttal of what Jody said, seems she was worked herself into anger after she lost th3 portfolio, the conservative conspiracy theory collapses into a heap
Guy Trembley
@Guy Stone
Ah the $92,000.00 analysis. Where was yours 4 years ago?
Ah the $92,000.00 analysis. Where was yours 4 years ago?
Matt Thuaii
@David Amos
Why? To find out politics is much dirtier than most people understand or are willing to admit?
I don’t need to look into your personal legal history to do that.
Why? To find out politics is much dirtier than most people understand or are willing to admit?
I don’t need to look into your personal legal history to do that.
Norm Griffiths
@Guy Stone
"what did they give the Liberals in return for making a new law and firing an MP for them" In another forum that would qualify as slander.
"what did they give the Liberals in return for making a new law and firing an MP for them" In another forum that would qualify as slander.
Matt Thuaii
@Gord Gundersen
Yes...and that means even that decision isn’t “final”...and neither is the AG’s...
...which is exactly what I said.
Yes...and that means even that decision isn’t “final”...and neither is the AG’s...
...which is exactly what I said.
Rick Gibeault
@David Amos "N'esy pas?" ...... Don't try to use French until you can spell properly.
Charles Smith
@Kyle Smith obstruction of justice is (obviously) the suspected crime.
Rob Cotnam
@Rick Gibeault
And yet you spell "French" with a capital "F", when it should only be lower case when the context is language (and not at the start of a sentence of course).
And yet you spell "French" with a capital "F", when it should only be lower case when the context is language (and not at the start of a sentence of course).
Matt Thuaii
@Charles Smith
Even though legal experts across the country, and even Jody Wilson Raybould herself says there wasn’t any...
...I’ll take their word over the internet’s.
Even though legal experts across the country, and even Jody Wilson Raybould herself says there wasn’t any...
...I’ll take their word over the internet’s.
gordon franks
@Rick Wier She never looked to be an angry person to me, just disappointment that a Prime Minister she had so much faith in was so partisan in legal matters and cared only about getting re-elected
Rick Gibeault
@Rob Cotnam sorry I should have given the correct spelling
(n'est-ce pas?}
(n'est-ce pas?}
Mitch Powers
@Jimmy Moore C B C Playing with the likes and dislikes again...
Len Evans
@Jimmy Moore
Who is 2nd guessing what? The minutia of who irritated whom is of absolutely no interest to me as a taxpayer. Like most Canadians I want to see cost effective swift justice exercised, and Canada's best financial & social interests served, without the Shakespearian drama attached. What happens if the Company is prosecuted? Years of very expensive court time, and the corporate stock value falls, and investment money and pension plans and the attached jobs suffer. Huge cost to Canadians without any guarantee of success or a single person held to account. The Lawyers win. If its a DPA? They are held to account swiftly with stiff financial penalties that go into General Revenue. Less court time, and less cost to Canadians, money in our pockets, and the business rolls on. Individuals can still be prosecuted for individual laws broken. Canada is better off. What sounds better? Who was fighting for Canadians?
Who is 2nd guessing what? The minutia of who irritated whom is of absolutely no interest to me as a taxpayer. Like most Canadians I want to see cost effective swift justice exercised, and Canada's best financial & social interests served, without the Shakespearian drama attached. What happens if the Company is prosecuted? Years of very expensive court time, and the corporate stock value falls, and investment money and pension plans and the attached jobs suffer. Huge cost to Canadians without any guarantee of success or a single person held to account. The Lawyers win. If its a DPA? They are held to account swiftly with stiff financial penalties that go into General Revenue. Less court time, and less cost to Canadians, money in our pockets, and the business rolls on. Individuals can still be prosecuted for individual laws broken. Canada is better off. What sounds better? Who was fighting for Canadians?
Murray Joah
@Mitch Powers
Thanks for someone else seeing that...
Please keep bringing it up and holding them to it!!!
Thanks for someone else seeing that...
Please keep bringing it up and holding them to it!!!
Murray Joah
@Len Evans
Boy, apply that argument, and why bother with laws...
Let's just let SNC do whatever they wish!
Boy, apply that argument, and why bother with laws...
Let's just let SNC do whatever they wish!
David Amos
@Rob Cotnam Methinks you should finally read my Statement of Claim (Federal Court File no T-1557-15) and pay particular attention to paragraph 83 EH?
Denny O'Brien
@Jimmy Moore she didn5 have a problem until she was moved to veteran's affairs
David Amos
@Matt Thuaii "Why? To find out politics is much dirtier than most people understand or are willing to admit? I don’t need to look into your personal legal history to do that."
WOW Spoken like a true liberal
WOW Spoken like a true liberal
Len Evans
@Murray Joah
As I said, they pay a huge fine directly to the government coffers as a company. The Justice folks can still prosecute individuals. They get held to account with less pain for the taxpayers. Where is the problem?
As I said, they pay a huge fine directly to the government coffers as a company. The Justice folks can still prosecute individuals. They get held to account with less pain for the taxpayers. Where is the problem?
Len Evans
@David Amos
I can claim anything I want to claim in Federal Court. The part that is important is what they rule on more than what people claim. Was there any result from your claim that would be relevant?
I can claim anything I want to claim in Federal Court. The part that is important is what they rule on more than what people claim. Was there any result from your claim that would be relevant?
David Amos
@Len Evans Google David Amos Wiretap
Then read the latest decision
Then read the latest decision
Len Evans
@David Amos
Search What? Googledeepoop! If there is something there of value, put it up. If not, that's fine as well, but I'm hardly likely to go skipping around the internet looking for god only knows what at your direction.
Search What? Googledeepoop! If there is something there of value, put it up. If not, that's fine as well, but I'm hardly likely to go skipping around the internet looking for god only knows what at your direction.
David Amos
@Len Evans CBC blocks it
Len Evans
@David Amos
Likely for good reason I guess...
Likely for good reason I guess...
David Amos
@Len Evans "Who is 2nd guessing what? The minutia of who irritated whom is of absolutely no interest to me as a taxpayer. Like most Canadians I want to see cost effective swift justice exercised, and Canada's best financial & social interests served, without the Shakespearian drama attached. What happens if the Company is prosecuted? Years of very expensive court time, and the corporate stock value falls, and investment money and pension plans and the attached jobs suffer. Huge cost to Canadians without any guarantee of success or a single person held to account. The Lawyers win. If its a DPA? They are held to account swiftly with stiff financial penalties that go into General Revenue. Less court time, and less cost to Canadians, money in our pockets, and the business rolls on. Individuals can still be prosecuted for individual laws broken. Canada is better off. What sounds better? Who was fighting for Canadians?"
Yea Right
Len Evans
@David Amos
So what serves you better? Simple question... Years of lawyers in court benefiting from your tax dollars, or a quick agreement where they admit fault & pay a fine into the government coffers?
So what serves you better? Simple question... Years of lawyers in court benefiting from your tax dollars, or a quick agreement where they admit fault & pay a fine into the government coffers?
David Amos
@Len Evans You know who I am so answer your own question
David Amos
Mark Petersen
That's double-speak if I ever heard it. Why is the "full facts on the impact of a potential conviction" important? Breaking the law is still breaking the law no matter what the consequences.
Alison Harms
@Mark Petersen This is what I was thinking as well. Should the consequences of breaking the law go away if it will hurt others? If that is the case, then many criminals should not be prosecuted as there are often innocent people hurt by punishing criminals -- what is overlooked here is that there are often innocent parties hurt by not prosecuting as well. What about the honest competitors (there must be some) of SNC Lavelin??
Jeff Holloway
@Mark Petersen When people break the law they get punished. The people in this situation have been punished. This discussion is about whether the company (which is really just a shell) should be punished as well. The law is not clear on that. Many big companies have does the same as SNC (such as Seimens) and have paid fines and kept on with life. Just because the Business Development guys in SNC did wrong -they should not all be put out of work.
I think the PM is simply paying the price of putting the wrong person in that government position as Justice Minister. She just couldn't do the job and when she was shuffled out of it - she is saying she was bullied by virtually everyone. This is simply a Tempest in a Teapot.
I think the PM is simply paying the price of putting the wrong person in that government position as Justice Minister. She just couldn't do the job and when she was shuffled out of it - she is saying she was bullied by virtually everyone. This is simply a Tempest in a Teapot.
Jack O Hill
@Jeff Holloway
"This discussion is about whether the company (which is really just a shell) should be punished as well."
Interesting discussion to have, I'm sure, but not at all relevant, since the legislation that allows for DPAs specifically rules it out as a point of consideration.
"This discussion is about whether the company (which is really just a shell) should be punished as well."
Interesting discussion to have, I'm sure, but not at all relevant, since the legislation that allows for DPAs specifically rules it out as a point of consideration.
Chun Ming
@Mark Petersen
After the arrest of Huawei CFO, Trudeau mentioned "Rule of Law" on TV many many times. After JWR issue surfaced, I have not heard Trudeau mention Rule of Law once.
After the arrest of Huawei CFO, Trudeau mentioned "Rule of Law" on TV many many times. After JWR issue surfaced, I have not heard Trudeau mention Rule of Law once.
Jon Holmes
@Chun Ming Nobody cares what the Chinese Think. Massacred any of their Population yet today?
Jon Holmes
@Mark Petersen NO LAWS WERE BROKEN. Repeat: NO LAWS WERE BROKEN.
It's Politics. The whole game is unethical. To pretend this is CRIMINAL is stupid beyond redemption.
It's Politics. The whole game is unethical. To pretend this is CRIMINAL is stupid beyond redemption.
David Amos
@Mark Petersen Welcome to the Circus
Stanley Baird
@Mark Petersen Butts and Trudeau can dress it up all they want, but it boils down to interference with a prosecutor and potentially obstruction of justice. Remember the prosecutor made the (expert) decision and WR choose NOT to take the extraordinary step of over-ride this decision. The "normal" thing is that politicians stay out of legal cases inspite of what Butts is spinning. The consequences politically or otherwise are irrelevant here and he is only trying to confuse things. He is not a lawyer and neither is Trudeau. They should have taken the advice of their lawyer, the former AG, and backed off when advised by her. I don't fall for his efforts to make this more complex than it is, and Canadians know that WR was fired because Trudeau would not take no for an answer on SNC even months later (which probably = obstruction of justice). Take note that no credible lawyer has tried to defend the PMO's actions in this case. I look forward to Trudeau's real apology if it ever comes. We also need many more resignations in the PMO and privy counsel, and cabinet if anyone wishes to keep what little reminds of their integrity.
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
And exactly how would any of this been different under an Andrew Scheer government.
And exactly how would any of this been different under an Andrew Scheer government.
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
And tell us again how Andrew Scheer wouldn't have cautioned his attorney general that frivolous investigation may cost thousands and thousands of Canadian high paying jobs.
And tell us again how Andrew Scheer wouldn't have cautioned his attorney general that frivolous investigation may cost thousands and thousands of Canadian high paying jobs.
David Coe
@david mccaig
poor attempt at deflection....
poor attempt at deflection....
Dennis Quaid
@David Coe The Liberal Spinster strikes again!
David Amos
@David Coe YUP Methinks we all were led to believe that Mr Butts was a clever dude. I bet many Proud Maritimers are wondering why he ain't at least wise enough to know when to clam up N'esy Pas?
John Hancock
@Jon Holmes I highly doubt you would hold that same opinion if Harper was wearing Trudeau’s shoes for the last few weeks.
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
It should NEVER BE LOST on the public, the billionaire owned corporate media makes big advertising dollars out blowing government workings out of proportion and making then hot topics .
It should NEVER BE LOST on the public, the billionaire owned corporate media makes big advertising dollars out blowing government workings out of proportion and making then hot topics .
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
It should NEVER BE FORGOTTEN , CEO of CBS in America once stated that their disproportionate coverage of Donald Trump 'wasnt good for America, but it was good for CBS advertising revenues'.
We should then understand much of Canada's billionaire owned media, MIGHT be financially motivated from disproportionate coverage of something that even Trudeau's accuser has said at 'worst was improper NOT CRIMINAL'.
It should NEVER BE FORGOTTEN , CEO of CBS in America once stated that their disproportionate coverage of Donald Trump 'wasnt good for America, but it was good for CBS advertising revenues'.
We should then understand much of Canada's billionaire owned media, MIGHT be financially motivated from disproportionate coverage of something that even Trudeau's accuser has said at 'worst was improper NOT CRIMINAL'.
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
It should NEVER BE FORGOTTEN , CEO of CBS in America once stated that their disproportionate coverage of Donald Trump 'wasnt good for America, but it was good for CBS advertising revenues'. So where would tar place Canada's corporate news services.
It should NEVER BE FORGOTTEN , CEO of CBS in America once stated that their disproportionate coverage of Donald Trump 'wasnt good for America, but it was good for CBS advertising revenues'. So where would tar place Canada's corporate news services.
Chun Ming
@Jon Holmes
I suppose in your world, "Rule of Law" equivalent to rule by law.
I suppose in your world, "Rule of Law" equivalent to rule by law.
david mccaig
@Mark Petersen
Jumlping to conclusions just a little, even the ex attorney General has publicly stated this at worst is Mr Trudeau acting improper, BUT IT'S NOT ILLEGAL.
Jumlping to conclusions just a little, even the ex attorney General has publicly stated this at worst is Mr Trudeau acting improper, BUT IT'S NOT ILLEGAL.
Scotty Davidson
@david mccaig DPA should not exist. Corporations who break our laws should face prosecution. Defending this is disgusting.
Brad Mercier
@david mccaig
Attempting to obstruct justice is still a crime, regardless of the outcome.
Attempting to obstruct justice is still a crime, regardless of the outcome.
Steven Arsenault
@Mark Petersen
And yet no law was broken.
And yet no law was broken.
Steven Arsenault
@Chun Ming
Since you are confusing the rule of law. There was no law broken. So are you saying if a partner in a law firm tries to convince a front line lawyer to change his tact on a file he is breaking the law?
Since you are confusing the rule of law. There was no law broken. So are you saying if a partner in a law firm tries to convince a front line lawyer to change his tact on a file he is breaking the law?
Rick Gibeault
@Jeff Holloway There was no claim of inappropriate pressure until the cabinet shuffle and her feelings were hurt. If Trudeau had wanted to punish her for SNC he would have kicked her out of cabinet. Unfortunately she was a high maintenance employee and they make life miserable for those who have to work with then.
gordon franks
@Steven You can's say no law was broken until it is tested in Court and that what Trudeau wants to prevent
David Amos
@Rick Gibeault "Unfortunately she was a high maintenance employee and they make life miserable for those who have to work with then."
Please excuse my Chiac but methinks you meant to spell "them" N'esy Pas?
Please excuse my Chiac but methinks you meant to spell "them" N'esy Pas?
Albert Franklin
After ruining Ontario, Gerry came to Ottawa to work the same magic on Canada. Good riddance!
Jon Holmes
@Albert Franklin Healthcare Surcharge wasn't a Tax as I recall. Good ol McGuinty.
David Amos
@Albert Franklin I concur
Myles Grant
@Albert Franklin If you look up JWR On Wikipedia, you will see that she has only three years experience as a lawyer. The rest of the time she was up to her neck in FN politics. She was far too inexperienced and underqualified to serve as Justice Minister, much less as Attorney General. Glad she is gone… Hope the next candidate is much more qualified
Stanley Baird
@Albert Franklin do you believe on questions of law a guy who has spent his whole life generating political spin or a lawyer?
Bernie Hunter
@Myles Grant
Then the Prime Minister of Canada has NO reason to be in the country's top position.
Then the Prime Minister of Canada has NO reason to be in the country's top position.
Mitch Powers
@Albert Franklin C B C Playing with the likes and dislikes again...
Murray Joah
@Mitch Powers
I am so very glad that others notice this as well...
Keep bringing it up!!!
I am so very glad that others notice this as well...
Keep bringing it up!!!
David Amos
@Stanley Baird "do you believe on questions of law a guy who has spent his whole life generating political spin or a lawyer?"
Methinks the dude who is using a comedian turned Yankee Senator's name should agree that it would not be wise to believe either one N'esy Pas?
Methinks the dude who is using a comedian turned Yankee Senator's name should agree that it would not be wise to believe either one N'esy Pas?
Jeremy Karkheck
Typical Trudeauite..........speaks about everything except the real issue at play....this guys has known Trudeau for 30 years ..they may as well be brothers lol. He resigned for a reason....speak the plain truth dude.
Peter Boone
@Jeremy Karkheck - Canada's Doobie Brothers.
David Amos
@Jeremy Karkheck "He resigned for a reason"
YUP
YUP
ALEX Chiasson
So much at stake. Saudi oil, Quebec Pension funds, vacations for the PM.
nan. morris
@ALEX Chiasson Yes, it is always about Quebec with Quebec PMs...Time for changes, big time.
Peter Boone
@nan. morris The Canada East pipeline was blocked by Quebec because so many Quebec Liberals are heavily invested in foreign oil, including one Jean Chretien.
Jack O Hill
@Peter Boone
Paul Martin owns a lot of the ships bringing in oil.
Paul Martin owns a lot of the ships bringing in oil.
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Jack O Hill Methinks the Cape Breton Islanders such as Gerry Butts, Kevin Lynch, Lisa Raitt,, and Elizabeth May must remember the 83 kilos of cocaine found in Sideny on Martin's Coal Boat named after his wife on Canada Day in 2004 right after he won the mandate of the 38th Parliament N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Jack O Hill Check out Martin's coal boat in Sidney on Canada Day 2004
Stanley Baird
@ALEX Chiasson SNC apparently has a full order book - no need to panic.
Marty Rattee
too bad they didn't have the same concern for oil patch communities
Chris Spiers
@Marty Rattee
or Auto Workers
Just QC centric companies
or Auto Workers
Just QC centric companies
Jason DeBack
@Marty Rattee
and how many other industries that aren't doing well, the gov is supposed to STAY OUT of capitalism no?
and how many other industries that aren't doing well, the gov is supposed to STAY OUT of capitalism no?
John Sollows
@Marty Rattee
Yeah ... how 'bout that Kinder-Morgan purchase?
Yeah ... how 'bout that Kinder-Morgan purchase?
Bryan Pollock
@John Sollows What about it? It was a waste of $4BN of tax payers money that could have been entirely privately funded. Do you see it being built? Because so far it's dead but unfortunately not buried in the ground where it would be useful.
Janet Oakes
@Marty Rattee How do you know they don’t?
Marty Rattee
@Janet Oakes do you read the news? Any idea what's going on in Alberta? 3500 auto jobs in Ontario is front page news for a week, any idea how many jobs have been lost in Alberta? The ridiculous $4B pipeline purchase was a joke so don't even table that.
Jeff Holloway
@Marty Rattee They do not control the price of oil and the system that is set up at the present time was all set up by the conservative provincial government over the last 40 years. They did buy the Transmountain line. Which is a huge purchase to help jobs in Alberta.
The oil patch has always gone up and down and it is just about always completely because of the price of oil - nothing else. Alberta has chosen to live with this since we try to do without a PST -so we have to live with it and not look for someone to blame.
The oil patch has always gone up and down and it is just about always completely because of the price of oil - nothing else. Alberta has chosen to live with this since we try to do without a PST -so we have to live with it and not look for someone to blame.
Marty Rattee
@Jeff Holloway the price of Alberta oil is being sold at a HUGE discount. Alberta is unable to get its product to world markets because of this government. Alberta needs pipelines, this government quashed 2 and approved 2, 1 of which due their complete ineptness was canceled anyway. No small note that the pipeline to go through Quebec was quashed - shall we get into that one? Energy East?
Murray Joah
@Jeff Holloway
Prices have fluctuated due to various technological advances since petroleum has been produced... It is the continual changing of the rules, and arbitrary new rules that have killed investor confidence, and allowed the creation of the HUGE discount that is currently being experienced.
Energy East should have gone ahead for the sake of the country, and Northern Gateway was the overall best choice for getting the product to foreign markets.
Prices have fluctuated due to various technological advances since petroleum has been produced... It is the continual changing of the rules, and arbitrary new rules that have killed investor confidence, and allowed the creation of the HUGE discount that is currently being experienced.
Energy East should have gone ahead for the sake of the country, and Northern Gateway was the overall best choice for getting the product to foreign markets.
David Amos
@Marty Rattee Methinks all the politicians know that I have been complaining about NAFTA for years and nobody seems to care for rather obvious reasons N'esy Pas?
Mike Sutton
CBC your guy is done let go... start informing Canadians with unbiased reporting.
Jimmy Moore
@Mike Sutton good luck with that, the CBC are a left wing propaganda arm of the Liberal government lately. $1.2 billion a year in tax payer money will do that.
Fred Thiolla
@Jimmy Moore don't forget the additional $600 million tax-payer slush fund for the other media outlets, I guess that's how you get those positive OP-eds after all
Joe Smithson
@Jimmy Moore
LOL The execs are all Harper appointees
LOL The execs are all Harper appointees
Jack O Hill
@Joe Smithson
You think that the Board sets editorial policy?
Good attempt for joke of the week.
You think that the Board sets editorial policy?
Good attempt for joke of the week.
Ron Brady
@Mike Sutton Re. the title of the article comparing Trudeau to Ford ... '2 figures that are experiencing similar accusations of political interference' ?????
David Amos
@Mike Sutton "start informing Canadians with unbiased reporting."
Methinks that is never gonna happen as long as the liberals have the federal mandate N'esy Pas?
Methinks that is never gonna happen as long as the liberals have the federal mandate N'esy Pas?
wayne watson
I'm confused. If nothing happened why did you resign? Nice deflection. This guy is a strategist. I wouldn't believe him for a moment.
David Webb
@wayne watson
nope, wouldn't trust him as far as all Canadians could throw him
nope, wouldn't trust him as far as all Canadians could throw him
David Amos
@wayne watson Nor I
Stanley Baird
@wayne watson I think like most strategists, he can't separate spin from facts anymore, and he can't speak with any credibility on legal matters with his BA in English. He should have followed the legal advise he got on this matter from the former AG, that he and Trudeau fired.
Ke Irwin
@wayne watson
This is what happens when you have a low EQ disgruntled fired employee who is a spoiled narcissist princess & uses get backs vs. solving problems in group or a team!
Waahhhhh they pressure and fired me!
Sociopath narcissist seem to be making there way to the top in key govt positions and are not without harm or unproductive distraction!
LEts get back to work vs escalating her BS over international Bribes that will be settled in court and laws changed!
SnlC's competiton...are Trumps mafia USA cos and Chinas Triads cos...are the winners here! And it is at the ex AGs feet!
Does anyone work for the country anymore!? The new war is economic and we are being pumped and dumped because of a Quebec co bribes and a disgruntled failed employee! Grow up...bribes are common in international construction! But is in CAnada ...this will be settled in court...that is if the CBC does not escalated it to the point someone is shot!
Try less leading questions & escalation CBC...try more balance reporting!? aka promoting flu / immune shots with mercury and aluminum to babies under three years old who have no immune system! Like the Edmonton hockey team dancing ..they were first nation kids...but the CBC escalated the story to the point they were almost kicked out of the league! Too much sensation not enough balance or perspective!
This is what happens when you have a low EQ disgruntled fired employee who is a spoiled narcissist princess & uses get backs vs. solving problems in group or a team!
Waahhhhh they pressure and fired me!
Sociopath narcissist seem to be making there way to the top in key govt positions and are not without harm or unproductive distraction!
LEts get back to work vs escalating her BS over international Bribes that will be settled in court and laws changed!
SnlC's competiton...are Trumps mafia USA cos and Chinas Triads cos...are the winners here! And it is at the ex AGs feet!
Does anyone work for the country anymore!? The new war is economic and we are being pumped and dumped because of a Quebec co bribes and a disgruntled failed employee! Grow up...bribes are common in international construction! But is in CAnada ...this will be settled in court...that is if the CBC does not escalated it to the point someone is shot!
Try less leading questions & escalation CBC...try more balance reporting!? aka promoting flu / immune shots with mercury and aluminum to babies under three years old who have no immune system! Like the Edmonton hockey team dancing ..they were first nation kids...but the CBC escalated the story to the point they were almost kicked out of the league! Too much sensation not enough balance or perspective!
david kirby
@wayne watson
This is the smartest comment of the day
This is the smartest comment of the day
Mitch Powers
@wayne watson C B C Playing with the likes and dislikes again...
Joe Renaud
@wayne watson
You need to read his testimony. Per Butts (and he kept notes), JWR was offered a move to Indigenous Affairs which she refused. Butts advised Trudeau that he should not allow a minister to dictate where she would or would not be shuffled at the risk of losing control of his cabinet. This, and JWR's hurt feelings, are at the root of this mess. Since the mess was of his making, Butts resigned. Had he not misread JWR's potential reaction this whole mess might not have happened at all.
You need to read his testimony. Per Butts (and he kept notes), JWR was offered a move to Indigenous Affairs which she refused. Butts advised Trudeau that he should not allow a minister to dictate where she would or would not be shuffled at the risk of losing control of his cabinet. This, and JWR's hurt feelings, are at the root of this mess. Since the mess was of his making, Butts resigned. Had he not misread JWR's potential reaction this whole mess might not have happened at all.
Bill Dixon
@Joe Renaud
That still makes no sense. Butts provides advice to Trudeau, but if Trudeau makes a decision then it's his responsibility, not Butts'. Further, she never was transferred to Indigenous Affairs; she was transferred to Veterans' Affairs, and accepted it. So to pretend that he resigned because of problems caused by her getting upset about the decision to transfer her to IF is moot and nonsensical.
wayne watson: you nailed the basic problem with Butt's position - if there was nothing inappropriate, then why did Butts have to go, either because he did something wrong or even if it was merely that there had to be a sacrifice to calm the waters?
Nobody gets fired for not causing a problem that they assert doesn't actually exist.
That still makes no sense. Butts provides advice to Trudeau, but if Trudeau makes a decision then it's his responsibility, not Butts'. Further, she never was transferred to Indigenous Affairs; she was transferred to Veterans' Affairs, and accepted it. So to pretend that he resigned because of problems caused by her getting upset about the decision to transfer her to IF is moot and nonsensical.
wayne watson: you nailed the basic problem with Butt's position - if there was nothing inappropriate, then why did Butts have to go, either because he did something wrong or even if it was merely that there had to be a sacrifice to calm the waters?
Nobody gets fired for not causing a problem that they assert doesn't actually exist.
Len Evans
@wayne watson
Don't believe this guy, but you would believe the Lawyer? Who wants this dragged through the courts at huge taxpayers expense? Where all the Lawyers would drool over years of huge amounts of billable hours? Sounds reasonable to me...
Don't believe this guy, but you would believe the Lawyer? Who wants this dragged through the courts at huge taxpayers expense? Where all the Lawyers would drool over years of huge amounts of billable hours? Sounds reasonable to me...
David Amos
@Len Evans Methinks you won't be visiting Admiral Norman's GoFundme page N'esy Pas?
Alex Smith
Liberals smearing liberals. The gift that keeps on giving.
Paul Mason
@Alex Smith Almost as entertaining as when Cons shoot themselves in the foot
Aaron Morris
@Paul Mason
Competition is good. If there is this kind of corruption in the CPC then I hope it comes out as well. It's the only way we can sever these infected limbs.
Competition is good. If there is this kind of corruption in the CPC then I hope it comes out as well. It's the only way we can sever these infected limbs.
Eric Fowler
@Aaron Morris "If" ? LOL.
Aaron Morris
@Eric Fowler
Evidence? Testimony under oath?
Only one party is throwing it's star candidates-turned-whistleblowers under the buss at the moment. If the CPC has the same thing happen then the infected should be culled.
If it goes all the way to Scheer, as it so clearly does to Trudeau, he should be severed as well. But until there is some evidence and not pure kaka, Scheer is the best alternative.
Evidence? Testimony under oath?
Only one party is throwing it's star candidates-turned-whistleblowers under the buss at the moment. If the CPC has the same thing happen then the infected should be culled.
If it goes all the way to Scheer, as it so clearly does to Trudeau, he should be severed as well. But until there is some evidence and not pure kaka, Scheer is the best alternative.
David Amos
@Alex Smith "Liberals smearing liberals. The gift that keeps on giving."
YUP
YUP
Miguel Sanchez
'Nothing happened here beyond normal operations of government'
I guess the Liberals have a different definition of normal than the rest of Canada.
I guess the Liberals have a different definition of normal than the rest of Canada.
Scott Stevens
@Miguel Sanchez
after all they do speak for all Canadians, don't you listen to them each time a camera is turned on?
after all they do speak for all Canadians, don't you listen to them each time a camera is turned on?
Mitch Powers
@Miguel Sanchez C B C Playing with the likes and dislikes again...
David Amos
@Miguel Sanchez Apparently so
Ken Parker
Here we go with the jobs, jobs, BS. They are NOT a consideration for DPAs. Did the Liberals not read their own legislation.
Phil K'Mee
@Ken Parker
The Liberals don't even care about legislation. The end justifies the means.
The Liberals don't even care about legislation. The end justifies the means.
David Amos
@Phil K'Mee YUP
'Nothing happened here beyond normal operations of government': Butts speaks out on SNC-Lavalin affair
PM's ex-principal secretary responds to allegations of inappropriate pressure on then-attorney general
LIVE
P&P special: Gerry Butts testifies on SNC-Lavalin LIVE
Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary appears before the Commons justice committee to give his version of events that led to former AG Jody Wilson-Raybould's resignation. 0:00
"I am firmly convinced that nothing happened here beyond the normal operations of government," he told the Commons justice committee.
At all times, he said, the prime minister made it clear that the decision to prosecute or not was Wilson-Raybould's alone to make as attorney general, but that the issue merited robust discussion and consideration because there were so many jobs at risk.
Butts said highly trained legal staff worked on the file to ensure no line was crossed in engagements with the then-attorney general. He said the objective was to underscore the impact of a prosecution, including the thousands of jobs at stake.
Those discussions continued because Wilson-Raybould never informed the prime minister or other officials in writing of her decision, he said, leading people to believe that new information could come to light that would affect the decision. Butts said he first learned her decision was final in her committee testimony last week.
Butts also insisted Wilson-Raybould's move to the Veterans Affairs portfolio in a Jan. 14 cabinet shuffle had nothing to do with the SNC-Lavalin matter.
He said he did not want to quarrel with or discredit Wilson-Raybould but would offer a "different version of events," backed up by his own notes, text messages and conversations with other officials.
"It was not about second-guessing the decision. It was about ensuring that the attorney general was making her decision with the absolute best evidence possible," Butts said.
He said officials always understood the final call on whether to override a decision by the independent director of public prosecutions rested with Wilson-Raybould as attorney general.
Because of the enormous impact of her decision, officials suggested getting an independent opinion from a former retired Supreme Court justice such as Beverley McLachlin, the former chief justice.
Butts said if Wilson believed something inappropriate was happening, she had many opportunities to inform the prime minister, but did not. The allegations did not come to light until after the cabinet shuffle, he said.
"If this was wrong, and wrong in the way it is alleged to have been wrong, why are we having this discussion now and not in the middle of September, or October, or November, or December?"
CBC News
Gerry Butts: "... an obligation to inform the prime minister."
"I believe that if any minister is made aware of something they think is this wrong, I believe they have an obligation to inform the prime minister soon after they become aware of it." 0:48
Butts also disputed Wilson-Raybould's testimony last week — that she believed she was shuffled over the SNC-Lavalin matter — insisting Trudeau tried to avoid a shuffle because he was "happy with his team."
The prime minister tried unsuccessfully to have Scott Brison change his mind about resigning as Treasury Board president, Butts said. Having moved Jane Philpott to the position, he said, Trudeau asked Wilson-Raybould to take on the Indigenous Services portfolio, which she refused.
Butts said the PMO was surprised by her refusal, as cabinet decisions are "not the product of shared decision-making." But he said he tried to reassure her that her eventual move to Veterans Affairs had nothing to do with the SNC-Lavalin matter.
"I was deeply concerned by what the minister was saying. I tried to counter her misapprehensions with repeated, and believe me, honest efforts," he said. "In the end, I was unable to do so, and here we are today."
He said he takes responsibility for the "breakdown" in trust with Wilson-Raybould, and ultimately with Philpott.
Philpott resigned from cabinet Monday, citing a loss of confidence in the government's handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair.
Butts's two-hour appearance began at 10 a.m. ET and CBCNews.ca has been carrying it live.
Butts resigned Feb. 18 amid a growing controversy over alleged political interference related to a decision to prosecute SNC-Lavalin for bribery charges related to contracts in Libya.
In explosive testimony last week, Wilson-Raybould said she faced intense pressure and veiled threats from 11 officials from the Prime Minister's Office and elsewhere in government.
She said she was contacted through phone calls, meetings and text messages.
"For a period of four months from September to December 2018, I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in my role as the attorney general of Canada in an inappropriate effort to secure a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with SNC-Lavalin," Wilson-Raybould testified.
She said she met with Butts on Dec. 5 to speak about a number of things, including SNC-Lavalin and the "barrage" of people "hounding" her and her staff.
Towards the end of that meeting at Chateau Laurier, she said, she told Butts that people must stop talking to her about SNC as she had made up her mind and the engagements were inappropriate.
"Gerry then took over the conversation and said how we need a solution on the SNC stuff. He said I needed to find a solution," Wilson-Raybould testified.
CBC News
Gerry Butts: 'The PM assured minister Philpott that the shuffle had nothing to do with the file.'
"That was the first time I ever heard anyone suggest that this cabinet shuffle was in any way related to the SNC Lavalin file." 1:01
Today, Butts offered a very different account, recalling a two-hour dinner followed by congenial exchanges. He said he considered Wilson-Raybould a friend.
The former attorney general said she always believed that Butts was speaking with the "full authority" of the prime minister.
Wilson-Raybould also testified about a conversation her then chief of staff Jessica Prince had with Butts and Katie Telford, where they seemed "quite keen" on the idea of retaining an ex-Supreme Court justice to get advice. She testified that Prince said Telford believed it would give them "cover" in the business community and the legal community, and allow the prime minister to say they were doing something.
"She was like, 'If Jody is nervous, we would of course line up all kinds of people to write op-eds saying that what she is doing is proper,'" Wilson-Raybould said, reading from a text from Prince.
Butts said the discussion was not meant to exert pressure but to seek to understand the "reticence" in gaining external advice, which he considered to be sound public policy.
Beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the committee will also hear again from Michael Wernick, clerk of the Privy Council, and Nathalie Drouin, deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general. Both officials appeared before the committee last week.
The former attorney general said she always believed that Butts was speaking with the "full authority" of the prime minister.
Wilson-Raybould also testified about a conversation her then chief of staff Jessica Prince had with Butts and Katie Telford, where they seemed "quite keen" on the idea of retaining an ex-Supreme Court justice to get advice. She testified that Prince said Telford believed it would give them "cover" in the business community and the legal community, and allow the prime minister to say they were doing something.
"She was like, 'If Jody is nervous, we would of course line up all kinds of people to write op-eds saying that what she is doing is proper,'" Wilson-Raybould said, reading from a text from Prince.
Butts said the discussion was not meant to exert pressure but to seek to understand the "reticence" in gaining external advice, which he considered to be sound public policy.
Beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the committee will also hear again from Michael Wernick, clerk of the Privy Council, and Nathalie Drouin, deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general. Both officials appeared before the committee last week.