Canada PM Trudeau's principal secretary resigns
Ottawa, Feb 19 (IBNS): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's principal secretary and longtime friend Gerald Butts has stepped down, media reports said.
Butts resigned amid questions regarding PMO's alleged interference in a criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin.
In a statement, Butts said neither he nor anyone in the PMO had interfered in the criminal prosecution.
His statement has been quoted by CTV News: "I categorically deny the accusation that I or anyone else in his office pressured Ms. Wilson-Raybould. We honoured the unique role of the Attorney General. At all times, I and those around me acted with integrity and a singular focus on the best interests of all Canadians."
"Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the Attorney General is simply not true."
Butts said the allegations are distracting the Trudeau government from its works so stepping down is the best way.
"The fact is that this accusation exists. It cannot and should not take one moment away from the vital work the Prime Minister and his office is doing for all Canadians. My reputation is my responsibility and that is for me to defend," he has been quoted by CTV News.
Image credit: Gerald Butts Twitter
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