RCMP launches probe into Wright payment
OTTAWA — The RCMP has launched a criminal investigation into the actions of Nigel Wright, the prime minister’s former chief of staff, in connection with the Senate spending scandal that led him to give $90,000 to Sen. Mike Duffy.
The political bombshell exploded Thursday afternoon, as the police force released a carefully worded statement about the matter and opposition parties continued to press in the House of Commons for more details on the affair. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on a trip to Europe, was absent from the Commons.
The news broke after Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson announced that she had “suspended” her own probe so that another investigation, which she did not identify, could proceed on whether Wright had violated an Act of Parliament.
Later, RCMP Cpl. Lucy Shorey released a statement to the media that confirmed the Mounties had moved beyond their initial review of the matter, which became publicly known in mid-May. Now, they are in the midst of a formal investigation into the payment involving Wright and Duffy.
“The RCMP continues its investigation to determine whether a criminal act has taken place,” she wrote in an email
“It must be meticulous and carefully consider, and examine, all information. The RCMP would only lay charges when there is sufficient evidence to do so.”
The RCMP did not elaborate on how extensive its criminal investigation into the Senate scandal — which has embroiled the Prime Minister’s Office because of Wright’s gift to Duffy — will eventually become.
“We will not be commenting any further on this matter,” wrote Shorey.
In the House of Commons, opposition MPs kept up their attack and demanded to see a copy of the $90,000 cheque.