Trudeau defends Johnston, accuses Conservatives of 'horrific' attacks on special rapporteur
CTV
Justin Trudeau accused his Conservative rival of trying to score political points at the expense of Canadian democracy on Friday by questioning his personal relationship with former governor general David Johnston.
Justin Trudeau accused his Conservative rival of trying to score political points at the expense of Canadian democracy on Friday by questioning his personal relationship with former governor general David Johnston.
The attack came during an event in Guelph, Ont., two days after Trudeau tapped Johnston as special rapporteur responsible for investigating claims of Chinese meddling in the last two federal elections.
While the focus of the event was the launch of a $4-billion affordable-housing fund, the prime minister found himself delivering a full-throated defence of Johnston's appointment in the face of opposition attacks.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has accused Trudeau and Johnston of being too close, noting the prime minister has previously called them family friends. Johnston is also involved in the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
Asked by reporters about their relationship, Trudeau defended the former governor general, who was appointed to the viceregal role on the recommendation of Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, as a Canadian of the highest integrity.
"When we are looking to someone who will always put the country first, and put the interests of Canadians at the core of everything he does, there is no better name than David Johnston," the prime minister said.
Trudeau later said he hoped Johnston's appointment would "bring down the temperature on this issue," even as he stoked the fires by accusing the Conservatives of having launched "horrific, partisan attacks against a man of extraordinary integrity."
