Justin Trudeau’s story keeps changing on when he first became aware of the sexual misconduct allegations against the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Vance. If the Privy Council Office and Prime Minister’s Office knew, then Justin Trudeau must also have known more than he’s admitting.
This isn’t the first time. Whether its covering-up sexual misconduct allegations, the SNC-Lavalin scandal or the WE Charity scandal, the Prime Minister’s first instinct is to mislead Canadians. For example:
Version 1: Trudeau and PMO were not aware of any allegations
PMO to Global News on February 4, 2021
A senior government source said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Prime Minister’s Office were not aware of any allegations regarding Vance prior to the report from
Global News. (Source)
Justin Trudeau to the House of Commons on February 24, 2021
“Mr. Speaker, every person deserves a safe work environment. I first learned of allegations against General Vance in Global News reporting.” (Source)
Version 2: PMO was aware of allegations but not specifics
Justin Trudeau to the House of Commons on March 10, 2021
“Mr. Speaker, in 2018, my office was aware of the minister’s direction to the ombudsman, but my office and I learned of the details of the allegation through news reporting over the past months.” (Source)PMO to media on March 10, 2021
The Prime Minister’s Office did not comment on whether Mr. Trudeau was briefed directly about the matter at that time. The office pointed to remarks that Mr. Trudeau made in the House of Commons including that he and his office “learned of the details of the allegation through news reporting over the past months.” (Source)
Version 3: Trudeau was aware allegations had been raised
Minister Sajjan at Defence Committee on March 12, 2021
Question: Mr. Minister, did you or your chief of staff inform the Prime Minister’s Office of these allegations?
Minister Sajjan: Madam chair, first of all, as the Prime Minister has stated, he was informed that I had raised those concerns with the privy council office, but he learned of those complaints through the media.
(Source)By: Chelsea Tucker
