The person who led the Conservatives鈥� 2021 federal election campaign has given his approval for the government鈥檚 newly named rapporteur on election integrity, former governor general David Johnston.
鈥淢r. Johnston is probably the most qualified Canadian to do this role when it comes down it,鈥� Fred DeLorey said on 麻豆传媒 Channel鈥檚 Power Play with Vassy Kapelos. DeLorey was speaking on a panel with NDP National Director Anne McGrath.
But DeLorey鈥檚 praise for Johnston鈥檚 appointment contradicts Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
鈥淛ustin Trudeau has named a 鈥榝amily friend,鈥� old neighbour from the cottage, and member of the Beijing-funded Trudeau foundation, to be the 鈥榠ndependent鈥� rapporteur on Beijing's interference,鈥� Poilievre said in a statement released Thursday. Poilievre went on to renew his call for a public inquiry into allegations of election meddling.
DeLorey described Johnston as 鈥渁 fine Canadian who鈥檚 incredibly accomplished.鈥� He also pointed out Johnston was appointed governor general by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper in 2010, who also extended Johnston鈥檚 five-year term in 2015 by an additional two years.
鈥淐learly, some Conservatives do have faith in Mr. Johnston,鈥� DeLorey told Kapelos.
During the panel, McGrath said she hopes the prime minister gives Johnston a wide mandate and a narrow timeline to advise the government on whether it鈥檚 time to call a public inquiry.
Watch the full panel in the video at the top of this article.
