Sunday, February 17, 2019

Jody Wilson-Raybould is no martyr!

I've been through different stages since the article by the Globe and Mail (G&M) about the alleged interference of the Prime Minister Office into the SNC-Lavalin case being prosecuted. My first reaction was one of anger with the Trudeau's Office for pressuring the federal Attorney General about the case, then I was wondering if Trudeau had personally anything to do with the pressures that Wilson-Raybould are alleged by the G&M's article.

Then, as the dust started to clear, I couldn't help but notice inconsistencies in the Wilson-Raybould behaviour: if the pressure was so great on her in September 2018, and if she felt that people in the PMO, or even Trudeau, were crossing an ethical line, why didn't she resign then? Even stranger, why did she accept a demotion, and another position during the last cabinet shuffle in January 2019?

I couldn't help but feel annoyed by how she has been portrayed as almost a "martyr" in the press, a victim of some imaginary misogyny. I don't feel that it is that black and white!

Justin Trudeau & Jody Wilson-Raybould (Feb. 2018)
Justin Trudeau & Jody Wilson-Raybould (Feb. 2018)
Let me be clear, if there was any pressure from the PMO, or Trudeau himself, that would be unacceptable, and the Liberal government should pay the political price for that. However, so far (and this might change) it seems that the SNC-Lavalin case generated mainly debates, lobbying, within the cabinet, as well with MPs, SNC-Lavalin representatives and Quebec's Premiers, which is expected considering the size of the company, and the potential impact on its workers.

Speaking with friends after "NAFTA 2.0" was signed by Canada, U.S., and Mexico, I said that the main external risk to the Liberals has dissipated, and if anything will hurt their chances for another term is themselves. As a liberal leaning person, I hope this is not the case here.

We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.

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