The federal Liberals are urging Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to issue an apology for casting doubt on the RCMP’s independence and credibility. Poilievre made these remarks during an interview where he alleged that former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau violated the law by accepting a complimentary vacation, referencing the 2016 Aga Khan scandal. Additionally, Poilievre suggested that Trudeau may have unlawfully acted during the SNC-Lavalin affair.
Accusing the police of shielding the Liberal government, Poilievre stated that had the RCMP fulfilled its duties without bias, Trudeau would have faced criminal charges. These remarks prompted Liberal House Leader Steve MacKinnon to demand an apology from Poilievre in the House of Commons.
Despite the call for an apology, Poilievre did not retract his statements and criticized the Liberals for diverting attention from Canada’s escalating living costs. However, in a written statement, he expressed appreciation for the RCMP’s dedication and service, while still maintaining his belief that the force had protected the Liberal government in recent years.
Poilievre’s comments garnered backlash, with critics likening his behavior to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May voiced concerns over the rhetoric used in Canadian politics, emphasizing the importance of avoiding persecution through law enforcement.
On the advice of the Opposition leader’s office, Conservative MPs were instructed to emphasize the party’s support for the RCMP and its commitment to providing additional resources to the force. The RCMP reiterated that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges in the SNC-Lavalin case, which caused a stir in Parliament in 2019.
The ethics commissioner previously found Trudeau in violation of the Conflict of Interest Act for attempting to influence the handling of the SNC-Lavalin case. Responding to Poilievre’s allegations, the commissioner overseeing the RCMP dismissed claims of interference and invited Poilievre to meet with the organization’s leadership.
The RCMP, while accountable to the government, is designed to operate independently, particularly in investigations, to safeguard against political influence. Recommendations following the Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry called for clearer delineation of operational autonomy in legislation. The RCMP is currently enhancing internal policies to safeguard decision-making from unwarranted governmental involvement.