Canada’s PM Facing Resignation Calls Amid Energy Contractor Scandal

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 2017 Canada Summer Games / Wikimedia Commons
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 2017 Canada Summer Games / Wikimedia Commons

Canada’s PM Facing Resignation Calls Amid Energy Contractor Scandal

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Two members of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet have resigned over a scandal between the Prime Minister and his Attorney General, Jody Wilson-Raybould, who is accusing him of interfering in anti-corruption efforts. Wilson-Raybould was preparing to prosecute the Quebec-based energy contractor SNC-Lavalin for allegedly paying millions of dollars in bribes to government officials in Libya. Trudeau allegedly pressured her to back off, citing potential lost jobs in his Quebec constituency, and re-assigned her to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. The move was seen by many as a demotion. In January, a former SNC-Lavalin vice president pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme within the company to pay illegal campaign contributions to Trudeau’s Liberal party between 2004 and 2011. Trudeau’s approval rating is at its lowest yet, and he’s been facing increased calls to resign from both Left and Right opposition. So far he’s stated a desire to stay in office and use the October general election to let Canadians decide whether or not he and his Liberal party should continue governing the country. Joining us to talk about the scandal is Toronto-based journalist and publisher of the Canadaland podcast network Jesse Brown.