OTTAWA – Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has accepted the government’s offer of a national security briefing on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's trip to India.
Scheer says he will invite members of his caucus and the media to the part of the briefing that will cover non-classified information.
The offer of a briefing for Scheer came after considerable political fury and a procedural standoff in the House of Commons, and stems from calls to have Trudeau’s national security adviser Daniel Jean testify at a House committee.
The Opposition wanted to have him appear in hopes of getting more answers about why he suggested in a background briefing to reporters that factions in the Indian government may have tried to sabotage Trudeau's trip to India in February, while others have disputed that theory.
The initial background briefing was given to reporters after photos surfaced of convicted attempted murderer Jaspal Atwal with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at an event during the government’s troubled February trip.
Citing confidential information in part, the Liberals repeatedly shut down this request to have Jean testify.
"In correspondence with my Chief of Staff, the government confirmed that the information provided to journalists by Daniel Jean was not classified. In addition, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness confirmed that the information provided to the media by the National Security Advisor did not contain classified information," said Scheer in a statement announcing his intention to take the briefing.
He thinks it’s important to have "all members of the Conservative caucus" present, and will be inviting the members of the media who were present for the original briefing.
"Since they have already received this same briefing, their presence would also be appropriate," Scheer said of the select members of the media that will be invited in.
The formal ask came March 26, according to
"I am pleased to accept this briefing," Scheer wrote. He is suggesting the briefing be held on Wednesday, April 18.
