Opposition must do more than ‘simply demand’ interference inquiry: LeBlanc
Global News
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Leblanc says opposition leaders can't demand a public inquiry without providing terms of reference and someone to lead the process.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says a public inquiry is not off the table following former governor general David Johnston’s resignation as foreign interference rapporteur.
But LeBlanc says opposition leaders cannot request such an inquiry without providing constructive suggestions, such as terms of reference and an individual to best lead the process.
LeBlanc told The West Block‘s Mercedes Stephenson that he will be consulting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, opposition parties, experts and retired jurists in the coming days, but said “simply demanding” a public inquiry does not serve in protecting democracy from foreign interference.
“Mr. Johnston has decided to leave to a large extent because of the toxic climate that was created around his appointment,” LeBlanc said. “So the opposition leaders can’t simply say, ‘OK, call a public inquiry.'”
The House of Commons called on the government to urgently establish a public inquiry in an NDP motion adopted on May 31, calling for it to be “led by an individual selected with unanimous support from all recognized parties in the House.”
The motion does not call for the opposition parties to draft a frame of reference, which lays out the scope of probes such inquiries and in most recent examples such as the Mass Casualty Commission, has been shaped through the executive orders that create the inquiry.
The Federal Inquiries Act lays out that the powers to establish inquiries and determine what documents or records may be needed lie with the government establishing an inquiry as well as the commissioner appointed to lead it.
“Why is that their job? You’re the government,” Stephenson asked LeBlanc when he said the opposition needs to put forward ideas.
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