The Conservative Party is calling on the Commissioner for Conflicts of Interest and Ethics to investigate outgoing Liberal ministers David Lametti and Diane Lebouthillier over allegations about the appointment of a judge.
Quebecor media reported Friday that Ms. Lebouthillier, then Minister of National Revenue, “insisted a lot” that Damien St-Onge, the associate of one of his contributors and campaign organizers, become a judge at the Superior Court. Justice Minister David Lametti made the appointment in March 2019.
In a statement sent to The Canadian Press by the Liberal Party of Canada, Diane Lebouthillier affirms that “the person in question was not involved, and was not an organizer, in any of my campaigns, including that of 2015”.
“I have no particular link with this person, whether professionally or otherwise,” adds the main interested party.
Although she refutes the allegations, Tory candidates Pierre Paul-Hus and Michael Barrett wrote to Commissioner Mario Dion on Sunday, the political party said.Erin O’Toole.
“In their letter, the Conservatives raise concerns that Mr Lametti has made an inappropriate judicial appointment, following pressure from Ms Lebouthillier to appoint the legal partner of one of the donors and organizers. Ms. Lebouthillier’s policies, ”the Conservative Party said in a statement.
The Liberals assure that “the integrity of the process was respected and no pressure was applied by anyone on anyone”. They argue that the Trudeau government reformed the judicial appointment process to be more transparent and based on professional skills.
“All candidates are assessed by independent judicial advisory committees in every province and territory and only those recommended by these independent committees can be considered for a position,” the party said.
Diane Lebouthillier and David Lametti are representing respectively in the ridings of Gaspésie – Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and LaSalle – Émard – Verdun.
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