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May 9th, 2019

NDP Calls for Investigation into Norman Debacle

OTTAWA – On Wednesday, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada stayed proceedings against Vice-Admiral Mark Norman and once again, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government is being accused of politically interfering in a judicial process. The NDP has sent a letter officially requesting that an independent prosecutor investigates allegations of political pressure to restore the trust of Canadians in our justice system.

“We are happy for Vice-Admiral Norman that the Public Prosecutor has withdrawn the charge against him. It must be a relief for him and his family. This process has been costly and surely caused great stress to the Vice Admiral,” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “From the beginning, this prosecution has been a three-ring circus. Canadians deserve the truth on the allegations that the Prime Minister's Office interfered yet again with a judicial process and that former Minister Brison favoured one company over another for political gain.”

Vice-Admiral Mark Norman and his lawyer both indicated that many questions remain regarding allegations that the Prime Minister’s Office and the Office of the Privy Council may have politically interfered in the case. It is alleged that documents were withheld; Privy Council lawyers discussed a trial strategy with federal prosecutors and more. These allegations as well as the allegations concerning former Minister Brison are deeply troubling.

“The Director of the Public Prosecution should appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate and determine that the proceedings against the Vice-Admiral were completely free of political pressure,” said NDP Justice Critic Tracey Ramsey (Essex). “I have the utmost respect for the Director and I am proposing this measure to ensure the highest degree of transparency for Canadians. Vice-Admiral Norman has been through quite an ordeal and we owe it to him and all Canadians to be certain things are happening the way they should.”

On Wednesday, Ramsey sent a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions officially asking the DPP to exercise her right to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate allegations of political pressure and restore the trust of Canadians in our justice system.