OTTAWA—Liberals are lining up behind Justin Trudeau`s denial of allegations that his aides pressured Jody Wilson-Raybould over a criminal prosecution, with one even suggesting she was removed as justice minister because she didn’t speak French.Rocked by the most serious controversy yet to hit his government, the prime minister has the “benefit of the doubt” said one Liberal, even as ongoing investigations by the ethics commissioner and a parliamentary committee — and perhaps even revelations from Wilson-Raybould herself — threaten more political damage. There is some tension in the ranks as the drama plays out — one MP called the situation “appalling” and condemned Trudeau’s criticism of Wilson-Raybould for her alleged inaction in flagging any improper pressure.But another MP seemed to capture of the mood of many as he downplayed the potential political impact, noting he had encountered no reaction from constituents during this break week spent in the riding. “I’m not at all convinced this is a tipping thing,” the Toronto-area MP said.In fact, he said, the issue may play to Trudeau’s advantage in Quebec, where there are concerns that a criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin would exact a steep financial penalty on the Quebec firm and with it, job losses. While Wilson-Raybould enjoyed a high-profile — and made history as the first Indigenous justice minister — that didn’t make her immune from a cabinet shuffle, said the MP who, like others, spoke on background in order to speak to more freely.Read more: Liberal-dominated committee votes to limit investigation into allegations of improper political influence on Wilson-RaybouldOpinion | Thomas Walkom: Scandal lacks sizzle but two questions still deserve answersOpinion | Chantal Hébert: Trudeau risks isolating himself over his attacks on Wilson-Raybould“If she thinks because of her status as female and becau ...
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