Liberals block Conservative effort to have security adviser testify in Atwal case

OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – The federal Conservatives are keeping up the pressure on the Trudeau government over the prime minister’s recent trip to India.

They used a committee meeting on budgetary estimates to grill the public safety minister about how a convicted assassin made it on the guest list to two receptions with the PM. However, the Liberals blocked Conservative efforts to get the national security adviser to testify before a committee.

Minister Ralph Goodale couldn’t say if our spy agency, CSIS, was given the guest lists in advance and upon further questioning about what was known, as well as security briefings with reporters, Goodale says he can’t talk about classified information.

“I don’t wade into operational discussions because that is not in the best interest of Canada.”

Officials have accused factions within the Indian government of playing a role in Jaspal Atwal’s attendance, but a Liberal MP has also claimed responsibility. Liberal MP Randeep Sarai has apologized for the mishap, adding it can be hard to screen attendees at large events.

In Montreal today, Justin Trudeau tried to highlight the new workers benefit, but ended up facing questions about this trip. He dismissed any suggestions he disgraced Canada while in India and reiterated he has full confidence in the country’s security officials and the advice they give.

“When they highlight that there are concerns around a particular issue, I trust them and I believe them.”

Atwal attended at least one event in connection to Trudeau’s visit at which he was photographed with the prime minister’s wife and a federal minister. An invitation to another event was rescinded after word leaked that he may be there.

Atwal, at the centre of a controversy over Sikh separatism, says he has worked with politicians from a number of parties since he was released from prison for the attempted assassination of an Indian cabinet minister.

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