PETERS: Here’s why the government’s SNC-Lavalin controversy is so important

There are a number of compelling interpersonal narratives in this story.

What does it mean for the Liberal cabinet and how it operates?

What does this say about pressure from the prime minister’s office and how it dictates terms to cabinet ministers, especially the attorney general, who is supposed to be impartial?

Is there a rift in the party now between Team Trudeau and Team Wilson-Raybould?

Does Justin Trudeau have the moral authority to lead his party into the next election, let alone lead the country?

But aside from those issues, aside from what this says about Trudeau’s treatment of women and Indigenous people, there is a bigger conundrum.

That is the rule of law.

The rule of law should supercede all other considerations in this debate.

It’s part of what separates us from banana republics and tin pot dictatorships around the world.

If a person is accused or suspected of committing a crime, it’s not government’s job to intervene in order to influence the justice system’s handling of that case.

Same goes for a company, even if the company employs thousands of people.

The legal process has to run its course, and that means decisions made by justice officials can’t be influenced by politics.

Could it jeopardize a lot of jobs? Yes it could.

But it’s an ideal we have to cling to no matter which party forms government.

by Two & Out

PETERS: Here’s why the government’s SNC-Lavalin controversy is so important

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