Amid explosive new allegations, Wright insists he never broke the law
Posted Nov 20, 2013 05:58:50 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Nigel Wright, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff, is defending himself against new RCMP allegations that he committed breach of trust by writing a $90,000 cheque on behalf of Sen. Mike Duffy.
In a statement, Wright says his only intention to compensate taxpayers for money he believed they were owed.
Wright says he believes he acted within the scope of his duties and within the law.
In new court documents, investigators allege Wright, without the consent in writing of the head of the branch of government, did “pay a reward or confer an advantage or benefit on Mike Duffy.”
They also allege Wright and Duffy committed breach of trust, in violation of a section of the Criminal Code.
It’s the first time the RCMP has accused Wright of any criminal acts.
In the statement, released today by lawyer Peter Mantas, Wright says: “My intention was always to secure repayment of funds owed to taxpayers. I acted within the scope of my duties and remain confident that my actions were lawful. I have no further comment at this time.”
N-D-P leader Tom Mulcair says Nigel Wright wrote that he needed the P-M’s approval before finalizing things, and wrote back an hour later that things could go ahead.
