Opposition calls for emergency meeting to look into Mark Norman investigation
Posted May 13, 2019 9:45 am.
Last Updated May 13, 2019 4:06 pm.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The federal opposition is forcing the national defence committee to hold an emergency meeting on the case of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.
The former second in command in the military had been accused of leaking cabinet secrets about a lucrative $700-million shipbuilding contract, but last week the prosecution stayed the charges against him.
In a letter forcing this emergency meeting, four MP’s allege the government had interfered with the contract in question, and then the prime minister inappropriately influenced the investigation against Norman, by saying he expected a prosecution in the case.
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They claim the government tried to inappropriately intervene in this shipbuilding contract, and that the prime minister influenced the case by saying he expected a police investigation would result in prosecution.
Conservative James Bezan says he sees similarities between this and the SNC-Lavalin affair.
“Corporate cronyism is alive and well within the Liberal cabinet that they will go to any means to roll over anyone that gets in their way,” he adds. “We have a Prime Minister today in Justin Trudeau who thinks he’s above the law, that he’s always trying to put his fingers on the scales of justice to tip it in his favour.”
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The opposition wants to use the meeting to launch an investigation and call the prime minister, the Vice-Admiral and many other officials to testify.
The government and the prosecution deny there has ever been any political interference.
According to the rules the emergency meeting has to be held this week, but the odds of launching an investigation are slim. Liberals hold a majority on the committee.
