The federal Liberals have demanded an apology from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for his comments questioning the RCMP’s independence and integrity, alleging the police force covered up for the Liberal government. In a recent interview, Poilievre accused former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of breaking the law by accepting a free vacation during the Aga Khan scandal in 2016. Additionally, he suggested that Trudeau may have also violated the law in the SNC-Lavalin affair.
Poilievre criticized the RCMP for not pursuing criminal charges against Trudeau, insinuating that the force was protecting the Liberal government. This led to Liberal House Leader Steve MacKinnon urging Poilievre to apologize in the House of Commons.
Despite the calls for an apology, Poilievre did not express remorse and instead accused the Liberals of diverting attention from Canada’s increasing cost of living. However, in a written statement, he expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of RCMP officers while maintaining his belief that the force had shielded the Liberal government.
The Opposition leader’s remarks have sparked controversy and drawn comparisons to U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to critics. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May expressed concerns over the language used in Canadian politics, citing Poilievre’s statements as troubling.
In response to the backlash, the Conservative Party directed its MPs to emphasize their support for the RCMP, highlighting the party’s commitment to providing additional resources to the force. The Mounties have reiterated that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges in the SNC-Lavalin case.
Ethics Commissioner Mike Duheme confirmed Trudeau’s violation of the Conflict of Interest Act in the SNC-Lavalin matter but defended the decision not to press criminal charges. Duheme dismissed Poilievre’s claims of interference and invited him to meet with RCMP officials for clarification.
The RCMP, while accountable to the government, maintains operational independence to prevent political interference. Recommendations following the Nova Scotia shooting inquiry called for clearer legislation on operational independence, prompting the force to enhance internal guidelines to safeguard decision-making from undue government influence.