Close X
Monday, January 13, 2025
ADVT 
National

Trudeau dogged by questions about Aga Khan trips

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Apr, 2022 03:27 PM
  • Trudeau dogged by questions about Aga Khan trips

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is still being dogged by questions about family vacations six years ago at the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas.

In question period Tuesday, interim Opposition leader Candice Bergen demanded to know if he used his authority as prime minister to grant himself permission to accept the gifts.

A provision of the Criminal Code says government officials can’t accept gifts from someone who has dealings with the government unless they're given written consent by the head of their branch of government, which in this case would be the prime minister.

Internal RCMP documents show the force considered opening a fraud investigation after details of the trip came to light, but cite numerous reasons why it did not, including the fact that neither Parliament nor the ethics commissioner chose to refer the case to police.

If Trudeau did grant himself written consent, there would be no case for fraud by the government, the RCMP concluded, but the documents state that they did not know whether that happened.

When Bergen asked Tuesday whether Trudeau used that “loophole” to avoid being charged, he said no.

“The RCMP looked into this matter and no political interference was around it. They came to their own conclusion; there was nothing to pursue,” Trudeau told the House.

Bergen pressed on, asking if Trudeau would agree to do an interview with the RCMP about the $215,000 gift. He did not respond.

The ethics commissioner determined in 2017 that Trudeau violated conflict of interest rules, and that he should have recognized going on the trip would be seen as a conflict.

The commissioner’s report and the information used to compile it can’t be used as evidence in court if criminal charges did arise — another reason the RCMP chose not to pursue a case.

Trudeau is the first Canadian prime minister to breach conflict of interest rules while in office.

MORE National ARTICLES

EU regulator advises AstraZeneca's COVID drug be cleared

EU regulator advises AstraZeneca's COVID drug be cleared
The European Medicines Agency said in a statement that it was advising the use of the new drug, sold as Evusheld, in people age 12 and over before they were exposed to COVID-19, to prevent future infections.

EU regulator advises AstraZeneca's COVID drug be cleared

Federal dental plan will reflect NDP vision: Singh

Federal dental plan will reflect NDP vision: Singh
The Liberals promised the NDP they would start to phase in a dental-care program this year as part of a confidence and supply agreement to keep the minority government in power until 2025.

Federal dental plan will reflect NDP vision: Singh

Two of Kenney's caucus members urge him to quit

Two of Kenney's caucus members urge him to quit
Peter Guthrie and Jason Stephan say the party’s late changes were designed to ensure Kenney wins a vote he was destined to lose. Guthrie, the member for Airdrie-Cochrane, says the decision “reeks of desperation” and that it’s time to call an immediate leadership race and find someone else to take the helm.

Two of Kenney's caucus members urge him to quit

Canada to up oil, gas output 300,000 barrels a day

Canada to up oil, gas output 300,000 barrels a day
Wilkinson says Canada is "very open to the discussion" about what else it can do to help, including new natural gas terminals on the East Coast to export Canadian LNG to Europe.

Canada to up oil, gas output 300,000 barrels a day

Port of Vancouver up in 2021 despite challenges

Port of Vancouver up in 2021 despite challenges
The country's largest port says record container and foreign bulk volumes helped maintain cargo volumes despite trade challenges in a year in which the cruise season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Port of Vancouver up in 2021 despite challenges

Road closure at 88th and 90th Ave on Scott Rd due to cyclist being hit

Road closure at 88th and 90th Ave on Scott Rd due to cyclist being hit
Be advised that 120 Street Northbound between 88 Avenue and 90 Avenue is closed to all traffic while officers investigate the cause of the collision.  The closure will remain in effect for an undetermined amount of time. 

Road closure at 88th and 90th Ave on Scott Rd due to cyclist being hit