Blame Trudeau for lack of trust

Re: Lack of trust in political leaders is a serious problem — May 31 Re: Parliament could learn something from Johnston — May 31

David Johnston’s role as special rapporteur is similar to that of a judge, weighing all the evidence, which in this case is about election interference.

In criminal law, judges will refuse to preside over a case of a defendant with whom they have had a personal or professional relationship, to avoid the perception of bias and mistrust. Johnston was hired to investigate foreign interference in Canada’s democracy, and assess the response of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to intelligence reports — despite Johnston and Trudeau having had a prior professional and personal relationship.

Even though I am not a fan of Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, I would suggest that the lack of trust does not originate from him, nor from Jagmeet Singh of the NDP, or Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois, who collectively want Johnston to resign.

The lack of trust originates solely from the beginning, when Trudeau appointed a friend. Johnston should not have accepted his role in the first place.

There’s a saying: “The price of democracy is eternal vigilance.” Our democracy is far too delicate and precious, and is dishonoured by Trudeau’s ill-considered messy appointment. Rather than criticizing our opposition parties, we should commend them for their vigilance in ensuring we have free and unhampered elections.