Canadian PM Trudeau still under pressure from opposition
Sunday, 01/04/2018
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TORONTO: Though it has been more than a month since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau departed India after a disastrous visit in February, he continues to face intense interrogation on matters related to that eight-day trip in Canada’s Parliament.
At the House of Commons sittings through this week, one name constantly echoed in the chamber – Jaspal Atwal, a convicted former Khalistani terrorist. The opposition Conservatives made it a point to hammer away at inconsistencies in the allegation made by a senior national security official that “rogue elements” in the Indian establishment had planted Atwal to embarrass Trudeau during his visit, a charge seconded by the prime minister.
Conservative MP Bob Saroya said his party will continue to place “relentless pressure” on Trudeau because it wants to expose the “hanky panky” around the Atwal affair.
While national security advisor Daniel Jean was revealed as the official who gave the briefing to select Canadian journalists, including the conspiracy theory that has angered New Delhi,
Trudeau tried playing the India card in countering the grilling he faced during Question Period in the House.
Further adding fuel to the fire are reports that Raj Grewal, a Liberal MP from Brampton East, helped the CEO of a construction company, for which he does paid legal work, get invited to a reception during Trudeau’s trip. The opposition has sought an ethics investigation into the matter.
