What role did Ray Novak have in the Wright-Duffy payoff?

Embattled Senator Mike Duffy gave his version of events today about the extent of the involvement of the PMO in the Senate expense scandal, and the subsequent cover-up.

Amongst the plethora of new allegations, Senator Duffy said that current Chief of Staff to Stephen Harper Ray Novak played a role in the discussions between himself and the PMO.

According to Senator Duffy:

“I was called at home in Cavendish by Ray Novak, Senior Assistant to the Prime Minister. He had with him Senator LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator LeBreton was emphatic the deal was off if I didn't resign from the Conservative caucus within 90 minutes. I would be thrown out of the caucus immediately, without a meeting, without a vote. In addition, she said, if I didn't quit the caucus immediately, I would be sent to the Senate Ethics Committee with orders from the leadership to throw me out of the senate “

-Mike Duffy, Senate, October 22nd, 2013

Conservatives have refused for months to answer questions about the PMO's real involvement in this affair. In fact, Stephen Harper refused to answer a straightforward question on the subject of Ray Novak last June:

Thomas Mulcair: Mr. Speaker, was Ray Novak involved in any discussions about the Senate expense scandal?

Stephen Harper: Mr. Speaker, once again, Mr. Wright decided to do this on his own, using his own funds. He has taken full responsibility and he will be accountable to the various authorities' inquiries for his actions in that regard.

-House of Commons exchange, June 5th, 2013

Now, more than ever, it is time for Stephen Harper to tell Canadians the true extent of the involvement of Nigel Wright, his successor Ray Novak and other PMO staff in this scandal.

Canadians deserve better.

Canadians deserve the truth.