EDITORIAL: We are owed more answers on Lavscam
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The testimony on Wednesday morning of Gerald Butts – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s friend for 30 years – concerning Lavscam didn’t give us any answers. All it did, was offer up his version of the story.
Jody Wilson-Raybould had previously given detailed testimony citing some 30 interactions with the Prime Minister’s Office staff over SNC-Lavalin, many involving what seems to be political interference.
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Yet Butts attempted to refute all of that, in the vaguest of terms, with little reference to specific dates and quotes. He wants Canadians to believe his side of the story, that there was nothing questionable that went on and that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau don’t conduct themselves that way.
He’s going to have to do a whole lot better than his Wednesday performance though. Canadians shouldn’t buy it, at least not without more evidence.
Especially not his assertions like: “I am fully aware that two people can experience the same events differently.” This is not about differences of interpretation. This is about the facts and whether or not obstruction of justice occurred.
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Butts even tried to get philosophical at times: “I like to look forward in life. We’re all human. We all make mistakes all the time. Part of improving your professional life and personal relationships is to examine your mistakes… I firmly believe that nothing inappropriate occurred here.”
It’s not what he believed though, that counts. It’s what he really said. Wilson-Raybould gave credible testimony that Butts did indeed say things that crossed the line. Like the text message she cited from her Chief of Staff who claimed Butts said “there is no solution here that doesn’t involve some interference.”
That is damning evidence. Maybe it’s not the full story. Maybe Butts is right. But “maybes” just aren’t good enough for something this serious.
This can’t just be left up to the Justice Committee, which will only write a report that will collect dust on the shelf.
Canadians are owed answers as to whether or not this country’s political leadership placed political pressure on the justice system.
A public inquiry and, perhaps, the courts are a more appropriate venue to get to the bottom of this issue. The stakes are too high right now.
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