OTTAWA – Justin Trudeau and key Liberals are rejecting the need for a judicial inquiry into allegations of political interference by the Prime Minister’s Office in the bribery and fraud trial of SNC-Lavalin after hearing from former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.As the Commons was getting ready for a formal vote on an NDP motion demanding an inquiry, the prime minister dismissed Opposition suggestions he was engaged in “damage control” or that there was a coverup in the making. Trudeau said he allowed Wilson-Raybould to address cabinet on Tuesday because “I think it’s extremely important that everyone have an opportunity to hear the different perspectives in this situation.”“That’s why we welcomed her going forward to the parliamentary committee and that’s why frankly we are getting advice from the current attorney general and she’s getting advice from her counsel about what can be talked about that’s not covered by privilege,” he said.Wilson-Raybould, the MP for Vancouver-Granville attended a full meeting of the Liberal party caucus Wednesday, after which MPs exited, with some saying their concerns about allegations that she was pressured by the PMO were allayed.“On the basis of what I have heard, I am satisfied, yes,” said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.Goodale and others like Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief, and Liberal caucus chair Francis Scarpaleggia said they did not see the need for a judicial inquiry.“I don’t believe it’s necessary. I believe that the matter is most appropriately dealt with … in the justice committee and with the ethics commissioner,” said Blair, the minister of border security and organized crime reduction.One by one, Liberals pointed to the ability of the Commons standing committee on justice and the federal Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion to get to truth of allegations reported by the Globe ...
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