‘An inappropriate effort’: Quotes from Wilson-Raybould at justice committee

OTTAWA — Quotes from former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould’s appearance before the House of Commons justice committee, Feb. 27, 2019:

“For a period of approximately four months, between September and December of 2018, I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in my role as the attorney general of Canada, in an inappropriate effort to secure a deferred-prosecution agreement with SNC-Lavalin.” — Jody Wilson-Raybould

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“There were express statements regarding the necessity of interference in the SNC-Lavalin matter, the potential of consequences, and veiled threats if a DPA was not made available to SNC.” — Jody Wilson-Raybould

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“I was concerned that the reason why I was being shuffled out of the minister of justice and attorney general possibly was because of a decision I would not take on SNC and the DPA. I raised those concerns with the prime minister and with Gerry Butts, and as I said in my remarks, those were denied.” — Jody Wilson-Raybould

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“The conversations that I had, where they became very clearly inappropriate, was when political issues came up, like the election in Quebec, like losing the election if SNC were to move their headquarters.” — Jody Wilson-Raybould

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“I was taught to always be careful what you say because you cannot take it back. I was taught to always hold true to your core values and principles and to act with integrity. These are the teachings of my parents, my grandparents and my community. I come from a long line of matriarchs and I am a truth teller in accordance with the laws and traditions of our big house. This is who I am and this is who I always will be.” – Jody Wilson-Raybould

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“I believe if we believe you, which I do, that there is no other conclusion that one can reasonably draw than there was a sustained consistent effort to interfere politically with the critical role an (attorney general) must play in our legal system.” — NDP MP Murray Rankin

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“I just want to start off by saying that I believe every word that you said today. And I appreciate your honour and I appreciate your honesty and I appreciate your integrity and grit in coming forward in the way that you have.” – Deputy Conservative Leader Lisa Raitt

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“Wouldn’t it be fair to say that a decision to continue with a prosecution is never final, and is subject to re-evaluation … so the AG should have an open mind? The decision is never final. You have to continually assess new facts and new information.” — Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault

The Canadian Press