OTTAWA – In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Northern Perspective, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre leveled serious allegations against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), claiming that they have covered up what he refers to as scandals involving former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Poilievre suggested that these scandals should have resulted in criminal charges but were suppressed by the RCMP.
During the interview, Poilievre described the leadership of the RCMP as “despicable,” asserting that many of the controversies during Trudeau's tenure as Prime Minister should have warranted jail time. Specifically, he stated that Trudeau “probably” violated the criminal code in relation to the SNC-Lavalin affair, asserting, “These would normally have led to criminal charges, but of course the RCMP covered it all up.”
The SNC-Lavalin affair has been a focal point of criticism against Trudeau's administration, highlighting allegations of political interference in the judicial process. In 2023, the Conservative Party claimed that both the Liberals and other opposition parties, including the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, stifled RCMP Commissioner testimony regarding the SNC-Lavalin scandal during parliamentary committee meetings.
Poilievre further alleged that Trudeau breached ethical guidelines when accepting a “free vacation from someone with whom he had government business,” referring to the 2016 Aga Khan scandal. He reiterated his belief that had the RCMP been performing its duties without bias, Trudeau would have faced criminal charges.
Responding to Poilievre's comments, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme addressed the media in Toronto, stating that the SNC-Lavalin affair had been thoroughly discussed under the previous government and denied any claims of interference. “I don’t take any orders from any political individual,” Duheme emphasized, further extending an invitation to Poilievre to meet with the RCMP and discuss his critical remarks regarding the organization’s management.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree condemned Poilievre’s comments as “deeply irresponsible,” arguing that they threaten to undermine public confidence in the national police force. He insisted that Canadians could trust the RCMP's independence from political interference, asserting, “The RCMP operates free from direction by elected officials, regardless of who is in government.” Anandasangaree criticized Poilievre’s insinuations, asserting that suggesting political cover-ups without evidence is contrary to leadership and undermines the impartiality of law enforcement in Canada.
He further urged political leaders to respect the RCMP's work rather than erode public trust in the dedicated officers who serve the nation. The dialogue surrounding the RCMP's integrity and the allegations made by Poilievre sheds light on the ongoing tensions between political leaders and law enforcement in Canada.
This exchange highlights the complexities in the Canadian political landscape, particularly concerning accountability and the role of law enforcement in government oversight. The contentious atmosphere between Poilievre and the government, along with his allegations regarding the RCMP, signifies a significant moment in Canadian politics as politicians grapple with public trust and allegations of misconduct.
