I'll take Trump's "corruption" over Trudeau's "real politik" any time.
2
And I forgot anywhere south of US/Mexico border.
I find it curious that of the many comments on this article from Canadian readers, very few of them appear to have come from Quebec. That might tell us something about Canadian politics, I just don't know what.
2
"It grieves me to resign from a portfolio where I was at work to deliver an important mandate. I must abide by my core values, my ethical responsibilities, constitutional obligations. There can be a cost to acting on one’s principles, but there is a bigger cost to abandoning them."
Not written by a member of the GOP of the United States of America.
6
The Canadian people owes a big thank to the good reporting of The Globe and Mail which broke the story. Ms, Wilson-Raybould said that she was "improperly" pressured by the Prime Minister's Office to cut a deal with SNC-Lavalin. Then in January in a cabinet shuffle she is moved from justice minister and attorney general to veterans affairs which in Canadian politics this is view as a demotion. Not only she accepted her demotion but not a words of the "improper" pressures from the PMO. It is only when The Globe and Mail broke the story that she resigned from the Cabinet on Feb. 12, after the PM Justin Trudeau throw her under the bus. So it is pretty clear that without the good work of The Globe and Mail that the old thing would still be covered up and Ms. Wilson-Raybould would still be in the Cabinet and quiet about the old thing.
3
We love to visit Canada and have made friends from PEI to Vancouver. From our trips we heard one lament and one point of pride spoken over again - why can’t a Canadian team win the Cup and our politicians are different from yours. This scandal puts into question that pride. That seems why these events are so important. (But I won’t apologize for the Caps winning the Cup.)
1
I have a lot of respect for Jane Philpott. She was an extremely capable and principled Minister. Still, despite their problems the Liberals are still the best hope we've got; at least they are willing to act on climate change whereas the Conservatives align themselves with regressive provincial Premiers and the xenophobia of oil patch workers seeking others to blame for their industry's inevitable decline. The next federal election will be close.
8
You mean to tell me that Canada isn't some glorious Utopia just north of the fatally flawed imperfect United States after all? Will wonders ever cease?
5
@sharon5101
Well, put it this way....there are cabinet ministers resigning in protest over principles, that is a "wonder" compared to the corruption, sycophancy, and chair warming in our cabinet.
6
The media was caught up with the winsome PM, failing to recognize he is an empty vessel, a cardboard cut out. Being a leader is more than doing yoga poses and taking selfies. He has cost Canada dearly and it is time he was held accountable.
6
Time for Chrystia Freeland to lead the Liberal Party, and the country.
5
Because it is 2019
2
Mitch McConnell blocks a Supreme Court nominee and nothing happens. I prefer an inept Trudeau to that despicable thing.
13
@Zappo I hear you. In both Canada and the United States we are faced with different versions of lousy as leaders.
1
The U.S. should have such problems -- I would gladly trade our issues with our Canadian neighbors.
7
Philpott had a seat at the big table. She made a difference.
As a women Canadian, I cheered her accomplishments, and I was grateful Trudeau had given so many high profile portfolios to women. Philpott was getting things done!
And now she up and quits. My chauvinist (and conservative) father tells me this is why women shouldn't be given top positions: they can't stand the heat.
Philpott flouncing on 'principles' before the inquiry is completed, and more likely because her BFF had been cut loose, is not what I want to see from my women politicians.
Thanks, Philpott. I hope your ideals serve you from the backbench. The respect you lost will be costly to many women trying to get into politics, let alone finding a seat at the big table.
11
@r2w
Wow, is that how you see it? Had nothing to do with the way Trudeau Responded to the allegations? Jody saw it a 'different way'? No, 'sorry, not my intention but will make sure it doesn't happen again'? No one, not even a Canadian, throws away a rising political career for a BFF. This is about principle. Please understand and respect that.
6
@r2w Trudeau appointed more women to cabinet than the talent justified. Some of his best minister are women, but so are his worst and so are those that were appointed over better qualified candidates. one of those who should never have been appointed to such a senior position was Judy Wilson-Raybould. Her being a woman and indigenous trumped the better qualifications of others. I suppose Trudeau is now getting what he deserves from his approach to picking a cabinet.
1
@GregP I don't know everything that went into Philpott decision, but from the information I see so far, well it may ultimately be the right decision oh, I think it is premature.
3
What a difference a year makes, Justin came across as the John Kennedy of the North, young, good looking and was going to stand up to the evil Trumpster of the South. Now look at him, he ran in at the last minute before Trump penned a trade agreement with Mexico and now he's been accused of pressuring his AG to intervene in a criminal case. Mandate shamdate, Mr. Trudeau is just another slippery politician with secrets.
8
I am a Canadian living with this dolt as my PM and I could not have said it better. Thanks!
3
Let's be clear - this is not a scandal or crisis - just everyday politics. To be sure, if you listened to the almost non-stop and breathless coverage in the media or read any of the blather of columnists looking to fill their quota, yes.
But here's what happened - the former AG was pressured (nothing wrong with that) to take a pragmatic approach to a prosecution of corporate wrongdoing (for heaven's sake, prosecutors cut such deals all the time). She apparently disagreed (fair enough) . . . later, she was demoted; a few weeks later, in a huff, she resigned (and now her best friend, also in a huff, has resigned making said columnists dizzy at such readily available material (see reference to quota).
But, even worse, the former AG has taken to wearing the cloak of martyrdom to the extreme - lost in the coverage is the fact she only saw fit to resign after being demoted and not for any other reason. Saintly she may wish to appear, but a saint she is not . . .
27
If that is ordinary politics then one would think a highly esteemed former Crown prosecutor would recognize what is and what isn’t obstruction of justice. The problem for your lot is that she did. And she spoke up. And lost her portfolio and finally resigned. The scrambling of the Liberal fan club is hysterical... little Justin and his Sunny Ways has disappeared and suddenly it’s “ but everybody else does it!”
3
@PS
It's those four words you slipped in nonchalantly, ' Later, she was demoted'. That is the crux of it. If she had not been demoted we wouldn't be having this discussion. She was though and that is why Trudeau's government will fall one way or the other. Either he resigns, is replaced by his Caucus or he will be defeated by Scheer, with some help from Bernierr.
3
Whether it's the tariff wars, corporate pressure to extract tax concessions, threats of outsourcing and offshoring, or industry pressure to weaken environmental regulations, we see politicians everywhere under extreme pressure to produce and protect jobs. While we loathe the backroom deals and political greasing of the wheels it seems that everywhere and every time the story is the same; "it's the economy stupid".
4
@Charles While the need to produce/protect jobs might be a factor in producing corporate pressure in this country, it's well down the list of the corporate priorities producing the corporate demands to relieve their tax obligation, reduce or eliminate financial and environmental regulations relocate jobs to low-wage countries. Most of that comes from the need to produce shareholder value and, concomitantly, executive compensation. That's really the straw stirring the drink.
2
Oh to have "Canadian problems"! Can we talk about a Trudeau - Trump trade?
10
Let me see, 129 million dollar fraud and we are supposed to look the other way?
So, you would barter jobs to absolve those in power at SNC, what does that say about your commitment to justice?
Then when your "accommodation" is rejected, fire the person who resists your corruption! This is banana republic style behavior.
JT needs to resign, call an election, and reflect on his lack of moral leadership.
7
One of the many under-reported stories on what's wrong in Canada is the absurd practice of putting whites in charge of indigenous affairs. A white woman gone from that post - good riddance is all I have to say.
I'm disappointed that Jane Philpott resigned before there was even an inquiry. Wilson-Raybold admitted that no laws were broken. It's an ethics issue and maybe I'm jaded from hearing about shady antics of world politicians these days, but I'm thinking this is the way business is done all over the world. And don't forget that Stephen Harper hired Arthur Porter in 2008 (former head of MUHC), despite being warned not to, as head of the Security Intelligence Review Committee, a sensitive position where he had access to the countries top secrets. Porter reportedly received $11.25 million in secret commissions from SNC-Lavalin's execs for rigging the McGIll hospital contract in SNC-Lavalin's favour. He died in Panama awaiting extradition back to Canada to face fraud charges. Funny how nobody is remembering that right now. I'm disappointed with Trudeau's leadership, but I will never vote Conservative with their racist platform. There was ZERO transparency during Harper's reign and you can bet if this had happened under Harper's watch, he would have quietly swept it under the carpet and it would have barely made the news - partly because Harper refused to speak to the media. I will take my chances with the Liberals next election.
22
"I bribed the Libyans. It's how things work in hopelessly corrupt countries," said the CBC columnist Neil MacDonald, explaining why the whole case against SNC-Lavalin is built on shaky underpinnings anyway. I wish all these Canadian politicians and pundits would give the column another read.
3
As a Canadian expat I really miss politicians who have honor and do the right thing. I’m always telling people here that Canadian politicians resign when they feel they have done something unethical or dishonorable or for their principles. Seems that such behavior doesn’t exist in US politicians.
19
Our previous Conservative government would have silenced any dissenters and been secretive to the press. Messy as this current issue is, at least Trudeau allowed Wilson-Raybound to testify to give her version of events, and he's been gracious in accepting Philpott's decision, disappointed as he was.
At least we have a certain degree of transparency, and that's a lot better than what some other countries have.
39
Hmmm., so in trying to save jobs in Quebec JT somehow took a sloppy approach to doing what ALL politicians do and he has to resign?
16
I love the comments from people who say that American politicians could learn from the ethical behaviour of Canadian politicians. I admire the last two who resigned, but the fact is that the Trudeau government is incompetent and these are not the first scandals. It’s just the first time that some resign after more than three years. We need more liberal MPs and ministers to show that they have integrity. Hopefully this will bring down the Trudeau government before he destroys the country.
8
America, this is why having women in politics is important. They refuse to follow the ‘old boy’s rules’.
9
Trudeau didn't gain personally from reining in the prosecution of
SNC Lavalin. Any action he took, was to protect Canadian jobs in Quebec.
Canadians should reserve judgement of their leader until all the facts are in.
36
@Mike Edwards
Junior was protecting only one job,his... Quebec has a disproportionate number of Parliamentary seats
2
@Sandy: Umm, no.
Population of Canada: 36.7 million (2017)
Population of Quebec: 8.4 million
No. of ridings in Canada: 338
No. of seats in Quebec: 78
Do the math. Quebec has fair representation.
7
@Mike Edwards
Trudeau was worried about losing seats in Quebec, including his own. Yes, he did something to gain from interfering in a legal matter. The Liberals went as far as to pass their deferred prosecution law specifically for this case. It was blatant political interference in a court case.
2
This hyped up scandal will possibly lead to Mr Sheer and the Conservatives winning the next Federal election. In case anyone needs to be reminded the Conservatives are anti-woman, racist (native people will suffer considerably under the Conservatives as will immigrants), and of course climate change deniers. Their economic policies based on austerity will create even further inequality while protecting and enhancing the 1%. As for ethical integrity forget it. Just look at Premier Ford in Ontario.
35
@KevinlarsonThe federal Tories with PM Harper never had anything like "THIS" happen to them. Such a grand explosion in the last two weeks. Trudeau's speech today was like a surreal scene in a Hollywood film about a confused and desperate politician. You don't like Conservatives, but IF this was a Tory PM in exactly the same situation as Trudeau right now, would you dismiss the last two weeks' controversy as being irrelevant? When politicians make grand errors, their opponents use them as weapons. This was a grand error.
4
@Luke Fisher Harper's government was one of the most corrupt in Canada's history and he abused his position of power like a third world despot. If your memory is that short, the news articles out there are endless if you care to Google them.
20
Yes. Kevinlarson you are right. Unfortunately Canada may end up with a Sheer lead Conservative government, but this SNC-Lavalin affair is only one example in a series of amateur moves made by a prime minister who has been out of his depth since the day he was elected. The only reason he is Liberal party leader is that his name is Trudeau.
1
Trudeau unequivocally promised openness, transparency and a raft of other things quite specifically, Electoral reform, reconciliation with indigenous peoples, reduction in carbon emissions, and legalizing pot-smoking for just a few. With the exception of the last item, he has broken every promise he made. Every one. He is following the policies of the previous Conservative gov't to the letter. The only difference is that he said he wouldn't. So he is a dishonest conservative and the Conservatives are honest conservatives. Perhaps he pins his hopes on enough Canadians being stoned enough vote for him again. Even that hope will be dashed because government-approved marijuana is as weak as his promises. His Ministers resign because his mendacious behaviour inevitably reflects badly upon their own reputations if they keep silent and go along with his corruption. Thank goodness we have some credible other parties here besides the two major parties. Neither one of them can hope for better than a minority government.
3
Why is it that we have to have our northern neighbors show us how good politicians behave!
Now if our politicians could only act the same!
7
Since JT became prime minister, we have had for the first time in a couple of decades several strong cabinet ministers. The Prime Ministers Office had been encroaching upon the powers of cabinet by micro management. I applauded this change.
JT should resign. While he did not obstruct justice, he and his staff went where by convention they must not go, prosecutorial discretion. He micromanaged. He put political considerations above the law.
My greatest fear is that the Conservative party will return to power and PMO micro management with a weak cabinet will again prevail.
6
Actually, our self-proclaimed transparent and ethical Prime Minister may very well have obstructed justice as well as engaged in political interference for his lobbyist buddies at SNC and he did this for the enormous Quebec votes as it's an election year.. we actually take obstructing justice and political interference seriously here in Canada...I know it's crazy but we do...and it is actually unlawful... this scandal has only begun and the possibility exists that Trudeau will end up being found guilty of both obstruction of justice and political interference... it definitely looks like he's guilty thus far by way of the facts .... I'm reading alot of comments from Americans not knowing the actual facts here.... perhaps the NYTimes could do a better job of presenting them for Americans who need some perspective... I understand though to a degree why you're unsure when you've elected a con and a criminal for President and are bombarded every second of everyday with unethical and unlawful behavior from your elected leader.
1
@Learned Sceptic Resign for micro-managing? Surely, you jest.
3
I think the demotion of Ms. Wilson-Raybould for not acquiescing to the wishes of the PM was JT's major mistake. He basically used harassment to get what he wanted. "You don't do as I say and I'll make you pay". It was vengeful and petty and not befitting his calls for transparency during his campaign for election as PM.
12
I think American politicians need to learn some basic ethics from Canadian politicians. Why is it that they can resign when things get sticky (as a matter of conscience), but the Republicans prefer to hang together?
18
You answered your own question. It’s a “matter of conscience.”
7
A matter of conscience, yes, AND, of “freedom of health”. Canadians don’t lose their health care coverage when they leave (or lose) their jobs!
3
Even in the throes of scandal, the Canadians have more class and more scruples that what has become the USofA. People resign because the cannot tolerate unethical behavior.
Remember when??
22
@C Dawkins This is a RARE exception for Canadian politicians, believe me!
6
@C DawkinsDifferent national sayings in their history. For Americans, it's "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." For Canadians, it is "peace, order and good government."
P.S. I will concede that Canada hasn't "always" had good government - but it has more liberty and happiness than the USA right now.
12
No. As the resigned aboriginal minister says, No law was broken by Trudeau. His _political handling_ of the issue was clumsy-- partly, because he didn't take this minister off the portfolio at once. She decided to be a political martyr for squeaky-clean perfection and she resisted.
This looks like a group of highly placed politicians having their Northern MeToo Moment.
10
Unfortunately, this page four scandal in the U.S. is all the sensitive voters of Canada will need to reinstall Harper or one of his cronies. Goodbye Canadian environment!
6
@Reilly Diefenbach At least us sensitive voters don't elect sociopaths who loot their country when elected.
9
Justin Trudeau is a man in over his head. He doesn't have the brains of his father. He has become the accidental Prime Minister and is likely to be re-elected because his opponent is virtually unknown to most of us. To quote your leader, "Sad!".
8
@Stephen Kurtz Re-electing JT because he is well known, is tantamount to re-electing Trump because he is well know too. Reality is about integrity, honesty & respect. If we are going to vote for "Images" we will get what we pay for. In fact, look on THIS front page, we are already are.
This is a debacle. In a democracy there are supposed to be real alternatives. Real choices. Not.
5
Many comments here reflect a “my party, right or wrong” point of view. This view is why we in the US have a 2 party system with room only for neoliberals.
5
How quaint that they care about corruption
32
Another democratic country thrown into disruption. Hmmmm, wonder who is at the heart of this. Congrats to Russians and trump - sewing chaos and attacks on yet another country. They are racking them up - US, GB, EU, Canada, etc.
While getting further under the bed covers with the autocrats and tyrants.
Wake up to what's happening!
3
The former AG herself stated that no laws were broken in this case. That should have been the conclusion of the investigation. This scandal is a good example of a non-issue being blown out of proportion and overwhelming the core fact: no laws were broken! Oh, but it's a good story... I wonder how many will remember the facts and how many will re-tell [their color] of this story.
34
@OneCanadian
I expect more from my government than simply not breaking the law. That's a pretty low standard to set. Even Mike Duffy managed to pass that.
2
Ah yes the Laurentian consensus strikes again, meaning if it’s good for Ontario or (and especially) Quebec, then it’s good for Canada, it’s been the prevailing attitude since before confederation in 1867.
As an example, the western half of the country is told pipeline approvals takes time, everyone's voice must be heard and the rule of law must be followed, for the East it’s what can we do to make it better or at least go away because,you know, votes.
Trudeau will have to issue a major mea culpa if he hopes to hold on to power.
12
So right T.W. For those of us in western Canada it is just one more example of the Liberal party pandering to Quebec.
3
This didn't surprise me; I expected at least one minister or MP eventually to resign out of solidarity with Ms Wilson-Raybould or out of what I see as an absolutist take on politics. It's unfortunate, because Ms Philpott has been a capable Cabinet member.
I think she should have waited for the outcome of the Judicial Committee hearings. This abrupt resignation seems strangely preemptive and feels like a stab in the back of her party and PM. I think she's taking a mistaken path on this.
It's strange that her statement lists all her considerable personal accomplishments on a range of progressive, very Liberal files, but she fails to acknowledge her PM's part in them. He surely deserves acknowledgement for the party's agenda and direction, its success in the polls and for gathering the team she herself has been part of. It seems rather small and mean, if not vindictive.
If, as some are suggesting, this turns out to be some kind of leadership putsch by Liberal women MPs (I don't think it is), and the usurpers take control of the party, Canada's Conservatives may be crowing too soon, because if they think the government's "progressive" now they haven't seen anything yet.
40
@Nick Wright
Personally, I don't think Trudeau was, nor is, the progressive one of the party. He's stuck in old Liberal thinking. He talks the talk, but that's all.
1
This is such a bogus issue. Trudeau is Prime Minister of Canada, not Philpott or Ms. Wilson-Raybould. The truth is, Ms. WR attempted to be a power-tripper, and wished she was PM. Ms. Philpott is her close friend. He is being critcized because a big corporation in Canada paid a bribe to Quadaffi in Libya to get a contract. Dah? That's how business in the Third World is done--bribery. Trudeau, in attempting to be so politically correct in appointing these women to his cabinet, and is now being back-stabbed by those he bent over backwards to help. He will still get reelected, as the 2 opposition partys are pathetic.
54
There is no shortage of apologists for Trudeau. But he is in some real trouble.
6
@ William Tate I could overlook the Libyan bribes as a necessary evil to get contracts in the third world. What I cannot overlook is SNC-Lavalin doing the same thing in paying huge bribes in Montreal for the MUHC contract. Is that OK because its "the way mafia business is done in Montreal"? Also you don't mention SNC-Lavalin's involvement directly in the Libyian politics by helping Qaddafi's son out of the country.
If it's okay for the PM to interfere in legal proceedings to save 9000 Quebec jobs (not that they would be 'lost' as all but those execs in jail could readily find work in other parts of Canada) it should be okay for the next PM to interfere in future legal cases related to the Energy East,Transmountian and other pipelines that have already cost Western Canada 100K's job, negatively affected the economy for all Canadians, and preventing Canada from becoming energy self sufficient.
4
Couldn’t happen to a better person.
I’ve been sick of him moralizing to our President for a while now.
15
@Jay Lincoln
There is no universe in which Justin Trudeau can be compared to Donald Trump. Period.
82
@Jay LincolnBut Trump gives everybody so much to work with.
13
Not “our” president. Maybe yours, but Not My President.
20
I just feel sorry for the guy. He was elected Prime Minister of Canada not only because his party scooped up the Left and Middle vote, but because potentially angry, disaffected males watched his charity boxing match against a Tory Senator, and decided he was OK, despite a light CV.
Now, he is under fire for "upholding the rule of law" and extraditing a Chinese business executive at the request of the U.S., with two of his citizens reciprocally held on charges of spying by China, while at the same time facing an election -- with steel and aluminum tariffs from the same ungrateful neighbor he supported in the clinches.
Meanwhile, committee hearings on the subject of how he failed to "uphold the rule of law" because he put some pressure on his former justice minister and attorney-general not to prosecute a big engineering company for violating the the Canadian version of the foreign corrupt practices act because it bribed people in Libya -- or whatever.
She says she felt undue pressure and his own foreign minister says the justice minister spoke "her truth." Another just quit.
So, his party is falling apart or he is following the strategy he used in the boxing match, below, which was to lay back, let the other guy tire himself, roll in for a win.
Who knows?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK-KvxRZkiA
10
I only wish that members of the US government would read her post on living ones principles. Of course if you have no principles, there are no issues to consider or worry about.
12
Trudeau's a liberal.
Watch the people defending him throw their beliefs over the side to stand up for him because of that.
12
@Larry Thiel Um, not really. Some of us want to know the full story before shooting first and asking questions later, you know... like a conservative.
4
Not so Larry Thiel. Learn something about Canadian politics before you comment. Trudeau is the party leader for the Liberal Party of Canada. I have voted for the Liberal Party most of my life, but I do not support JT. Also, many “liberal” minded voters choose to support the New Democrats another left wing party. Not too many of them supporting Trudeau.
@Larry Thiel The Liberal Party in Canada is Centrist. The NDP are more likely the liberal you are referring to.
Methinks the damage is done, and Mr. Trudeau has little choice but to apologize and resign. This is the kind of scandal that in Canada at least, can sink a government quicker than a polar bear on a melted patch of permafrost... unless nipped in the bud by adroit politicking or just plain old-fashioned honest and openness. Trudeau appears to be out to lunch on both counts this time around. He had GOOD promise, in truth, and managed to cause a minumum of damage to the country in his capacity of PM, but his lack of experience has plagued him from the beginning and is now filling his political boat with water swiftly. If he tries to cling to power, he will likely be ousted and a chaotic transition period may jeopardize his party;s chances in the upcoming election. Just resign now and get it over with: that's how you can best serve your party AND the country now.
13
@Joseph Ross Mayhew Resign for what exactly? Even Raybould said that there was nothing illegal about the pressure from the PMO.
The gun ain't smoking. It's not even out of the drawer.
Chill out, Andy!
9
I read elsewhere that apparently this company is too big to fail, that if prosecuted and prevented form bidding for government contracts in Canada (along with other penalties for its current transgressions in Lybia) it would move to London and Canadians would lose many jobs. A familiar threat and dilemma. Apparently there is a trail of accusations for fraud and bribes as its modus operandi in other Third World countries and the World Bank does not finance operations with this company abroad anymore. Apparently there are some, although less, charges in Canada too. For Trudeau the dilemma is, how can he let justice claims from abroad meddle with this Canadian behemoth and threaten jobs and the economy at home.
How would American citizens stand on a similar issue? American banks were considered too big to fail in 2008, and they were messing with American people's assets, not even with those abroad. Interesting.
18
SNC’s 9000 jobs in Quebec is not too big to fail - it’s just that Montreal (and all of Quebec in general) is finicky come vote time and fully expects to be pandered and catered to. Their premier recently laid out what was essentially his list of demands that he wants from the government in the coming federa election - give us what we want and we will support you. Bathe party the wind Quebec historically wins the majority of the seats in the House or Commons and wins the election.
Mr Trudeau’s seat in the HOC - comes from Montreal voters. SNC is not too big to fail - PM Trudeau simply can not afford to lose in Quebec.
13
@tdb
French corporation. Quebec elects prime Ministers. End of sentence.
6
@Dan Green SNC Lavalin has 50,000 employees worldwide with offices in over 50 countries and operations in over 160 countries. In Canada they have offices (and employees...) in every province, not just Quebec. And in North America overall more than 10,000. So spare us the "French" corporation nonsense (I am an anglo). The real issue here is that we Canadians have to stop pretending that we work by "rule of law". You (USA) don't and rarely have. But then neither does most of the world. We just pretend that we do. Mostly our "big" laws suit the vested interests. And if not, we find work-arounds...
9
Giant blow to Trudeau. His government had been cruising to a likely victory in the coming election. That may disappear over the summer months because of this growing scandal. This lady's position as the head of the Treasury Board is one of the top two economic positions within Canadian government.
The former Justice Minister Wilson-Raybould is a political force within Canada's First Nations (Indians and Inuit). This will likely make here even a grander force among them.
This also opens up old wounds. Canada vs. Quebec hasn't troubled the people for decades. Canadians - primarily those from western Canada -have historically thought that Quebec gets preferred treatment from the federal government. These events have opened that wound and rubbed a little salt in it. What's gonna happen? Trudeau's former top aide is appearing before a committee later this week regarding these matters. Today's resignation makes things difficult for him - with even more questions having to be answered.
14
Not sure what these Cabinet Ministers are thinking. The Attorney General admits no laws were broken, she just didn't like the "pressure". Philpott seems to be upset with the tension going on behind cabinet doors. I have to think that if someone at the highest levels of government can't handle tough, high-pressure situations, they don't deserve to hold those positions.
54
@Chris MacKechnie But she did handle the pressure. Her reward for doing so was to be demoted and replaced. She testified that her plan was to keep quiet and if her replacement reversed the decision, she would have resigned immediately. We'll never know how it would have played out because the lid was blown off the whole thing when someone went to the Globe & Mail.
19
Unfortunately, there are parts of Canada that do not like Trudeau, and this situation with SNC-Lavalin will likely cement his demise. I say unfortunately, not because I am a huge fan of Trudeau, but because the alternative is a Conservative leader who is a fundamentalist Christian and a third party with a Sikh leader.
I can't speak for all Canadians, but am pretty sure the concept of separation of church and state is deep-seated among many of the voting population in our secular society.
Add that the Rest of Canada is fed up with companies in Quebec being given special treatment, and you have a recipe for a divided electorate and a weak and ineffective minority government come October.
24
The resignation of a second cabinet minister, also one who has done good work in her previous portfolio, turns up the volume of Canada's wake-up call.
We must examine carefully the events of this scandal, and its ramifications .
It is almost impossible to consider Trudeau's comments about being an MP from Quebec, and the economic implications of not cutting a deal with SNC-Lavalin , as benign and not an attempt to interfere with the former Attorney-General's decision to take the SNC-Lavalin case to court .
As a supporter of the Liberal Party, I find this extremely disappointing. As someone said, "light is being shone on the Political Sausage-Making Process that happens in administrations of various political stripes".
What are we going to do about this one? Let the sausage grinder continue, or stand up to the handle-turners? I stand with the ethics and decisions of Mesdames Wilson-Raybould and Philpott.
15
@Kelly
I completely agree with you. No, I'm not a Liberal and I don't necessarily want them out of office, but I think we can expect better from our politicians.
3
“There can be a cost to acting on one’s principles, but there is a bigger cost to abandoning them,” Ms. Philpott wrote.
My God girl, can you emigrate to the U.S. and paste that all over the billboards in Washington D,C,
76
Oy Canada!
3
Ms. Wilson-Raybould says she felt pressured, and Ms. Philpott resigned in sympathy. Whether Trudeau tried to influence her or not, she clearly was not up to the job. She should have made a definitive decision, announced it privately, then discussed the possibility of resignation if the Prime Minister was not in agreement. Instead, it seems her strategy was to take a stand in front of the public. Perhaps she has been watching too much American cable news and was (justly) full of righteous indignation ready to explode. Unfortunately - or fortunately - for Canada, Justin Trudeau is no Donald Trump. And now she wants to continue on in the Liberal caucus! What good news for the Conservatives.
22
The Times correctly labels these events a political crisis for the Trudeau government, not a scandal as Canadian media has been labeling it for two weeks, indifferent to the actual known facts and positively Trump-like in its determination to undermine confidence in a popular leader who actually cares about people and proves it over and over again. Never fear, doubters, Trudeau will show his stuff, the stuff of his father Pierre, in the next few days after he firmly but gently puts his critics in their place, and gets back to business.
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@LeighTrudeau jr does not have one hundredth of his father's stuff. A complete nonentity that relied totally on his staff.
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@Leigh He'll be out of office within 7 days.
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@ScottYou are dreaming in technicolour. I ain't saying that he'll never have to resign regarding this matter. But it's not going to happen in the next seven days.
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I wish American citizens around Trump would take such principled actions too.
I would have also like to see a short summary about what the case against the multinational Canadian company was all about and why Trudeau would want to back the company up rather than lead the case run its course. Very strange
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@tdb Many reasons, no doubt, but chief is that SNC Lavalin a significant employer in Quebec and across Canada with many jobs lost if a conviction kept it from bidding on federal contracts etc.
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@tdb Not strange at all. SNC Lavalin is a major Quebec company. Trudeau needs their money and the votes of Quebecers. Simple political calculation. This time, however, going to bed with dogs got him fleas.
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Wilson-Raybauld is going to be running for re-election as a Liberal. If Trudeau tries to remove her from Caucus as retribution for her speaking out expect more resignations from his Cabinet. What a bad move to demote her when she resisted his pressure. It will end his Government one way or the other.
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Funny. Trump cabinet members would resign if he DIDN'T support a company that bribed foreign governments.
I'd trade Trump for Trudeau any day.
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@David
We get it.
He's a liberal.
And you're happy to ignore anything he does because of it.
Not surprised.
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@Larry Thiel And what, pray tell, is wrong with being a liberal? You make it sound like it's tantamount to being a leper.
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Sounds like Trudeau is slouching toward Trumpism. Pity, so many in the US were looking at Canada as a sort of beacon of decency compared to the corruption in our White House.
Seems corruption is indifferent to the political parties it employs where ever you are in the world.
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@gpickard
Agreed. Corruption is in every country and in every political party.
Here in Canada, Quebec wins the prize for the most corrupt province - in business as well as in politics. Newfoundland and Labrador comes in at a close second.
I don't make the above anti-Quebec statement lightly. I've tried my best to be patient with them over the years. But this SNC-Lavalin shenanigan makes sick - and trust me, it's playing out much differently in the Quebec media than it is in the rest of Canada and the world.
Can't wait to see what Gerry Butts has to say later this week. Remains to be seen if his words will change my perspective on this scandal. I suppose miracles do sometimes happen.
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Imagine -- they are complaining about a company bribing the Libyans. If only our problems were of that magnitude! We have a far more vicious and corrupt regime, and yet I don't see cabinet secretaries resigning over moral qualms (fired, yes).
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If only Trump's cabinet members were so sincere in resignation!
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Oh, dear and the media fluff of this was just sort of calming down a tad, some moderating op-eds helping to defuse the positively rabid PC screams of resign!!! Philpott's resignation posits her as positively saintly (or maybe she wants to run for leader and just paving the way). Truly given our choices (the right wing PC's under Scheer), I'm sure a majority of Canadians don't really care. Nobody in 2019 expects squeaky clean especially when it comes to supporting Canadian jobs (yes, the economy is a tad vulnerable). Sleaze grinders or alt.right embracers, currently we don't seem to have an attractive range of choices. Unless: Elizabeth May
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A principled leader committed to a better future. Time for a real change Canada!! Elizabeth May for PM!!
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@pealass I guess it's right wing to want at least a little honesty in government, huh? In that case, sign me up. And you know it wasn't about jobs in general, it was about Trudeau keeping his job.
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@Elizabeth For PM Heaven forbid
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Crown appointees swear allegiance to the sovereign through ministry responsibility and good government. Trudeau has made a mockery of an independent judiciary and must resign.
Just ask the Chinese if the system is a sham.
Disgrace.
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So acting on ones' principals includes abandoning your responsibilities to the Canadian people in light of accusations that have not been confirmed? Good riddance.
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Resigning a cabinet position does NOT mean that the elected official is no longer a member of government or that they are abandoning their constituents. Joyce Philpott and Jody Wilson Reybould continue to serve as elected members of Parliament as members of the Liberal Party of Canada as they were elected to do by the voters in their riding. They have simply resigned from an their Cabinet positions JWR was our Justice Minister and Attorney General as wells as Veterans Affairs Minister for about 5 minutes. Joyce Philpott has served as Minister of Health, Minster of Indigenous Serviced and most recently as President of the Treasury Board. As it stands in this moment - they are Backbench politicians until JT decides if it is politically prudent to kick them out and then they sit as independents until the next election.
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@LisaElizabeth May as PM of Canada? How good is her French?
So, speaking for many Canadians, can I ask that next time we act like idiots in Canada and elect a pretty but vacuous flake, that you and Rolling Stone don't fall all over yourselves saying how wonderful he/she is?
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good to see her go. as health minister, she totally screwed up Pot legalization along w/ex-cop Bill Blair.
probably two of the most anti-pot people you could find.
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It would be great if all of us in Canada would wait until both sides of this issue have been brought before the public before voicing our opinions, but in this age of social media, that's not the way things are going.
Perhaps the best time for JWR to have resigned would have been the day she was shifted out of her portfolio as AG and Justice Minister, but she did not do that. I feel somewhat the same about Ms. Philpott. And yet, both intend to stay in caucus and run again as Liberals all the while tearing apart the party.
I promise to eat my words if I am proven wrong, but as of today, I have not had a chance to hear from other members of the government on this topic. SNC did not get what it wanted and Ms. Wilson-Raybauld has said that "no laws were broken." For that reason, I want more information.
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@Marilyn
The reframe can be found in Barbara Yaffe's reasoned article in Toronto's Globe and Mail. I'm not a Liberal, but a Green, and I neither like not dislike Trudeau, but this whole scenario is getting politically weird and out of hand for what it is. It other countries it would be a blip.
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@Marilyn Good thought. If your location in "Everywhere" qualifies you as a Canadian voter, please get in touch with the Liberal majority on the Justice Committee and have them interview more witnesses.
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@Marilyn Perhaps if PM Trudeau had allowed JWR to speak freely instead of hobbling her you might have heard the whole story.
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