Liberals ask RCMP to investigate Conservative party’s role in Senate expenses scandal

OTTAWA – The federal Liberals have written a letter to the RCMP commissioner, asking him to investigate the Conservative party for its role in an alleged $90,000 deal between Sen. Mike Duffy and the prime minister’s then chief of staff Nigel Wright.

Police are already probing Duffy and Wright for the alleged deal to repay Duffy’s improper expenses.

The Grits point to an RCMP affidavit for their request to turn a spotlight on the Conservative party.

The affidavit alleges that Conservative Fund Canada chairman Sen. Irving Gerstein had been prepared to cover the cost of the deal when it was believed Duffy owed $32,000.

That plan was allegedly scrapped when the total hit $90,000.

But Liberal Justice Critic Sean Casey says the Parliament of Canada Act makes it illegal to offer a parliamentarian money in an attempt to influence them.

“In my view, the plan that was put together constituted either a promise or an offer to pay,” he said.

“There doesn’t have to be a payment — simply a promise or an offer in order to run afoul of the act.”

Gerstein is already facing questions over accusations he tried to interfere with and influence the Deloitte audit into Duffy’s expenses.

The government maintains only Wright and Duffy are under investigation.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today