Opposition MPs say resolve is strengthened following Philpott’s SNC-Lavalin comments

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The push for answers in the SNC-Lavalin affair is getting stronger after former minister Jane Philpott said in an interview there was more to the story that needs to be told.

It comes as the Opposition continues to force a marathon voting session out of protest to the shut down of the committee investigation into the controversy.

In a stunning interview with Maclean’s, her first since leaving cabinet, Philpott says not only is there more to this story, but that she feels the prime minister and his advisors are attempting to stop that story from being told.

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Conservative MP Randy Hoback says this strengthens the resolve of his party to fight for answers and get to the truth.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna calls Philpott a friend but she believes there has been an open dialogue on this and she doesn’t question the PMs approach

“Give you an extra breath of wind, yes, no question about it. Doesn’t change the facts that we knew before though it just re-confirms everything that we’ve heard and suspected.”

Meanwhile, Conservative Michelle Rempel says this just proves the fight for answers in this affair is needed.

“The prime minister has made sure, has gone to great lengths to make sure that they can speak so it’s incumbent upon us and upon all Canadians to make sure that they have that right,” Rempel added. “Otherwise I’m not sure what happens with our democracy. I’m tired, but I’m going to get back in there and keep voting because this is an issue that’s worth fighting for.”

WATCH: As MPs pull all-nighter, Philpott breathes fresh life into SNC-Lavalin scandal

 

Philpott says she wants to see a further waiving of privilege so she and former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould can speak.

But when asked if he would consider the request, Trudeau seemed to indicate that won’t happen.

“The issue at question is the issue of pressure around the Lavalin issue while she was Attorney General and she got to speak fully to that,” Trudeau told reporters. “It was extremely important that the former Attorney General be allowed to share completely her perspective, her experiences on this issue and that is what she was able to do.”

It looks like MPs may have to pull another all-nighter for these marathon votes as staffers bring coffee and pillows to their bosses.

The Opposition vows to do all that it takes to hold the government to account.