Sunday, December 21, 2025
ADVT 
National

PM says no conflict of interest over WE

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Sep, 2020 08:38 PM
  • PM says no conflict of interest over WE

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau isn't second-guessing his government's choice of WE Charity to administer a student service grant — a move that sparked controversy and ultimately prompted the organization to close its Canadian operations.

Opposition MPs have been grilling the government for months over the now-abandoned student program because of WE Charity's close connections to the families of Trudeau and Bill Morneau, the recently departed finance minister.

The Liberals have consistently said it was federal public servants who recommended the grant program be administered by the youth group to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau was asked during a news briefing today whether he takes any responsibility for WE Charity's woes.

The prime minister reiterates that he regrets not having recused himself from the government decision because of the perception involved, but he insists there was no conflict of interest.

Trudeau says the government moved rapidly with a partner that it felt was able to actually deliver the student grant program.

MORE National ARTICLES

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says when he first learned the public service had proposed WE Charity to run the Canada Student Service Grant he pushed back, knowing it would come under scrutiny.

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny

Supreme Court will hear Quebec comedian's case

Supreme Court will hear Quebec comedian's case
The Supreme Court of Canada has decided to hear the appeal of Quebec comedian Mike Ward in a human-rights case that touches on the limits of artistic expression and the role of the country's human rights tribunals.

Supreme Court will hear Quebec comedian's case

N.B. woman found after almost two weeks missing

N.B. woman found after almost two weeks missing
A New Brunswick woman says she was able to survive in woods in the northeast of the province for nearly two weeks by drinking rainwater from puddles and eating wild berries.

N.B. woman found after almost two weeks missing

Airports begin screening for temperatures

Airports begin screening for temperatures
Four major Canadian airports will begin taking passengers' temperatures starting today as part of the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Airports begin screening for temperatures

Few regrets for Toronto's 1st Black police chief

Few regrets for Toronto's 1st Black police chief
Ask the outgoing head of the country's largest municipal police force about defunding or cuts to its $1-billion budget, and the response reflects typical disdain for what he views as sloganeering in response to complex problems.

Few regrets for Toronto's 1st Black police chief

Judge in Quebec hijab case to offer apology

Judge in Quebec hijab case to offer apology
A Quebec judge who refused to allow a Muslim woman to appear in court wearing a hijab in 2015 will apologize.

Judge in Quebec hijab case to offer apology