Trudeau must allow Chief of Staff to testify on cover-up of sexual misconduct in CAF

April 29, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – James Bezan, Conservative Shadow Minister for National Defence, Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Services and Procurement, and Leona Alleslev, MP for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, released the following statement calling on Justin Trudeau to allow his Chief of Staff Katie Telford to testify on her knowledge of the cover-up of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces:

“Last week, Canadians learned that Justin Trudeau’s Chief of Staff was aware of allegations of sexual misconduct against General Vance. Since then, Justin Trudeau has misled Canadians on what his office knew and continued to cover-up the truth.

“Justin Trudeau is still claiming that he was not aware of allegations against General Vance in 2018, while Minister Sajjan, his staff, the Prime Minister’s department (PCO), and senior PMO officials were all aware. It’s outrageous to believe that everyone around Justin Trudeau was aware of these allegations, but the Prime Minister didn’t know.

“Throughout this scandal, Justin Trudeau and the Liberals have constantly changed their story and mislead Canadians. Justin Trudeau’s top aid must appear before the Defence Committee and come clean with Canadians on this cover-up.

“If Justin Trudeau refuses to allow his Chief of Staff to testify, or if the Liberals block her appearance at committee, it is just more evidence that the Liberals care more about their cover-up and protecting the military’s old boys club than protecting the women who serve our country in uniform.

“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to demand that Justin Trudeau end the cover-up and stand up for the women in the Canadian Armed Forces.”