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Tuesday, February 19, 2019 · sitting No. 382
NDP motion seeks public inquiry into SNC-Lavalin prosecution
The House spent most of the day on an opposition motion moved by New Democratic Party ethics critic Charlie Angus that calls on the Prime Minister to waive solicitor-client privilege for the former attorney general regarding allegations of interference in the SNC-Lavalin prosecution and urges the government to launch a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act.
Liberal parliamentary secretary Arif Virani argued that the Ethics Commissioner investigation already under way would provide a stronger non-partisan forum while Conservative MP Peter Kent questioned whether the commissioner would receive full cooperation after delays in an earlier case. Debate continued without a vote.
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
No CPAC Question Period upload is on file for this day. CPAC’s channel goes back to December 2019.
Who held the floor · 2019-02-19
AI-rated The sitting score and the rating of each answer come from a language model reading Hansard. How the AI rates this
Other moments
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Read the exchangePetitions
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Read the exchangeAutomotive Industry
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Read the exchangeIndigenous Affairs
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Read the exchangeQuestion Period, exchange by exchange
AI-rated Each answer’s rating (answered, partly answered, deflected, answered something else) is a model’s reading of the exchange. How the AI rates this
- deflectedPrime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises Butts and restates his beliefs without addressing why the resignation was accepted if he did nothing wrong.
That is why he decided to resign.
- deflectedPrime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats institutional confidence talking points and avoids explaining the resignation amid the scandal.
That is why he made the decision to step away: because the work this government is doing, and indeed the confidence that Canadians must have in their institutions and their processes, comes before all else.
- deflectedPrime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to defending institutions instead of addressing the pattern of blame and committee blocking described.
That is why, whether it is respecting the independence of members of parliamentary committees or making sure we are allowing for the full scope of judicial independence, we will always defend the systems and institutions that keep Canada safe and prosperous as a democracy.
- partly answeredJusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly references solicitor-client privilege risks and the request for Attorney General advice, though it does not waive it.
That is why I have asked our Attorney General to give me advice on the very important matter.
- deflectedJusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses cabinet meetings and general work instead of providing the requested count of meetings between Butts and the former attorney general.
Members in my office are engaged constantly with various departments and with ministers to stand up for Canadian jobs, to make sure we are moving forward in the right way, and to make sure we are standing up for the institutions and principles that underpin our democracy.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states that advice was requested on privilege but does not address waiving it or allowing testimony.
I have asked the Attorney General for advice on solicitor-client privilege.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses confidence in the Ethics Commissioner and notes committee independence without agreeing to an inquiry or waiving privilege.
As the member opposite should know, members of parliamentary committees make their own decisions on what these committees study.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again cites the Ethics Commissioner investigation and privilege risks without agreeing to waive privilege or hold an inquiry.
The matter of solicitor-client privilege is obviously one we have to consider very carefully.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the demand to waive privilege by pivoting to general respect for institutions and the Ethics Commissioner.
We respect the independence of the judiciary, and we will always do our work that way.
- partly answeredJusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly acknowledges the request for a legal opinion on privilege but stops short of resolution.
I can confirm that the Prime Minister has asked me for a legal opinion on the question of solicitor-client privilege.
- deflectedJusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refuses to engage with the SNC-Lavalin decision query by citing inappropriateness without explanation.
it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
- misdirectedJusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the waiver request and instead discusses the principal secretary's letter and general work priorities.
We will continue to work for Canadians.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing the call to let the former AG speak by reiterating the resignation letter and institutional respect.
We respect the independence of the justice system, and we encourage them to do their work.
- misdirectedJusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the privilege question and attacks the prior government's record instead of addressing current demands.
That is a clear contrast to the previous government, which constantly undermined the work that they did.
- partly answeredJusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the privilege advice request but provides no substantive update or decision.
the Prime Minister has asked me for advice on the question of solicitor-client privilege.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts focus to committee processes and institutional respect rather than committing to answers from the former AG.
I understand that a Liberal member will be putting forward a motion today at committee to have the access that members are asking for.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites processes and refuses to address the core allegations of interference or dual standards.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the substance of the matter any further.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates known facts about resignation and defers entirely to the committee without addressing the request.
The committee operates independently of the House.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again points to independent processes and declines to engage on the witness request.
The committee is independent, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer references ongoing independent processes and avoids any commitment on witnesses or privilege.
They are independent committees.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer expresses general confidence in institutions without addressing the specific yes-or-no request or cover-up claim.
We are confident in the work of the Ethics Commissioner.
- deflectedGovernment PrioritiesMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to unrelated government programs instead of addressing the backroom deals or transparency critique.
We will continue to make investments that help Canadians succeed.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates confidence in independent bodies without agreeing or disagreeing on the specific witness request.
Those are independent committees.
- deflectedJusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer invokes institutional independence and refuses to confirm or deny any RCMP contact.
We will not comment on that situation.
- deflectedJusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the RCMP contact question and pivots to government priorities and the resignation letter.
What I know is that it is clear that all members on all of our teams want to work hard for Canadians.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the yes-or-no RCMP question and instead attacks Conservative messaging on SNC-Lavalin.
The Conservatives continue to talk out of both sides of their mouths.
- partly answeredJusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the request for freedom of speech by stating a legal opinion is being prepared and further comment would be inappropriate.
I am studying the issue and will give a legal opinion in due course.
- deflectedAutomotive IndustryMr. Brian Masse (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general auto-sector support and investments but does not address the specific procurement request.
With respect to Oshawa, we have been very clear.
- deflectedAutomotive IndustryMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights past investments and past job losses but avoids committing to stopping purchases of non-Canadian GM vehicles.
we have always defended and supported the auto workers.
- answeredJusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states there is no knowledge of RCMP contact with the requested individuals.
I can say that we have no knowledge of such activity.
- answeredJusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats the direct statement of no knowledge and calls it clear.
we have no knowledge of any such activity.
- answeredJusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again states there is no knowledge of RCMP contact with the listed individuals.
we have no knowledge of any such activity.
- deflectedJusticeMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer points to existing processes instead of addressing the call for a public inquiry.
we are confident that the two independent processes currently under way will be completed in a fair and thorough manner and will provide Canadians with the answers and information they seek.
- partly answeredIndigenous AffairsMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer commits to immediate review and assistance but stops short of guaranteeing rebuilding.
my department and officials will look into the matter immediately. Wherever we can be of assistance, we will be.
- deflectedJusticeMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer declines further comment by citing ongoing legal review rather than addressing the request to waive privilege.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general principles without addressing job protection for SNC-Lavalin workers.
We stand up for the principles of judicial independence and the rule of law.
- deflectedJusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes compliance with rules but avoids any commitment on protecting the head office or jobs.
We will always stand up for workers, we will always stand up for the rule of law in Canada, and we will always follow the ethics rules surrounding discussions.
- answeredRegional Economic DevelopmentHunter Tootoo (Independent) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms co-development with partners to ensure the framework delivers meaningful change.
We are co-developing a policy that will lead to a strong economic and tremendous growth in the Arctic and northern regions.