Title: Poilievre Criticizes RCMP Leadership, Accuses Agency of Cover-Up

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has sharply criticized the leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), labeling it as "despicable" and accusing the agency of shielding former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from accountability. In a recent interview posted on YouTube, Poilievre claimed that if the RCMP had fulfilled its duties, Trudeau would have faced criminal charges for alleged misconduct.

During the interview with Northern Perspective, Poilievre referenced the 2016 Aga Khan vacation scandal, asserting that Trudeau broke the law by accepting a free trip from someone with whom he had government dealings. He stated, "If the RCMP had been doing its job and not covering up for him, then he would have been criminally charged."

Poilievre also suggested that Trudeau likely violated the law during the SNC-Lavalin affair, where the former prime minister and other officials were accused of pressuring the justice minister regarding a criminal prosecution. He expressed frustration that these issues did not lead to criminal charges, attributing this to the RCMP's alleged failure to act.

In response to Poilievre's comments, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme defended the agency's integrity, stating that he does not take orders from politicians. He emphasized that there was no evidence of criminal interference in the SNC-Lavalin case, countering Poilievre's claims. Duheme invited Poilievre to meet with RCMP leadership to discuss the agency's operations.

The Conservative leader's remarks came as he addressed various controversies surrounding the Trudeau government. He indicated that some individuals involved in these scandals should have faced jail time. Poilievre reiterated his belief that the RCMP's leadership has failed to enforce laws against the Liberal government adequately.

The RCMP previously declined to investigate the SNC-Lavalin affair, citing a lack of evidence and difficulties in accessing confidential government documents. Trudeau was found to have violated federal ethics laws in both the Aga Khan vacation and the SNC-Lavalin case, but no criminal charges were filed.

Brian Sauvé, president of the National Police Federation, expressed confusion over Poilievre's criticisms, stating, "From what I’ve seen, there has been no political mastery of the RCMP or political interference."