PERCENTAGE WHO THINK COUNTRY IS DOING BETTER. 27% BELIEVE THINGS ARE THE SAME.

Wernick also directly contradicted Wilson-raybould’s stance that she’s prevented from speaking about the matter publicly because the conversations are covered by solicitor-client privilege, though he said it was only his opinion.

“I do not see where the former attorney-general was a solicitor,” he told the committee. “The matter was never discussed at cabinet, ever. So she was not giving advice to cabinet. She was not advising the prime minister.”

The committee earlier heard from current Justice Minister David Lametti, who declined to answer any questions about whether Trudeau would waive privilege for Wilson-raybould, saying his own deliberations with Trudeau were covered by solicitor-client privilege.

But Wernick — who as privy council clerk is the guardian of cabinet secrecy — said it’s entirely up to Wilson-raybould to answer questions. “It’s not a question of being allowed to speak or waiving any confidences,” he said. “She can come here next week and answer your questions with her sense of where to draw the line on the answers.”

Speaking afterward, opposition MPS said Wernick’s testimony was refreshing in its candour — but also disturbing.

“I think the testimony is stunning,” said Conservative MP Lisa Raitt. “I think there’s going to be a lot of people taking a look at ... whether or not there was inappropriate political interference, inappropriate pressure.”