OTTAWA — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says he is prepared to appear before the Senate’s defence committee to answer questions about the failed prosecution of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.
The committee voted on Tuesday night to conduct the probe after Crown prosecutors opted earlier this month to stay the case against Norman, who was previously the military’s second-in-command.
READ MORE: Senate committee votes to launch inquiry into failed prosecution of Mark Norman
Get daily National news
Speaking on the sidelines of an arms-trade show in Ottawa this morning, Sajjan repeated past assertions from the Trudeau government that the case was completely independent of any political interference.
Norman was charged with breach of trust last year for allegedly leaking government secrets about a naval contract, but the case fell apart after his lawyers uncovered new information.
WATCH: Government calls accusation they interfered in Mark Norman case ‘absurd’
- ‘Nobody gets free pickles on BC Ferries’: Family’s White Spot experience goes viral
- Saskatoon organizations concerned about demand after Prairie Harm Reduction closure
- Elizabeth Fry Society’s shelter closes after lease extension denied
- Appeal dismissed in impaired driving case involving THC, death of 9-year-old
Sajjan also wouldn’t say whether the government has an opinion on Norman’s desire to return to duty, saying any decision on his reinstatement rests with defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance.
Vance and Norman had what the Defence Department described as a “cordial” meeting last week, though there has been no word on when Norman will return to duty — or in what role.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.