Democracy Watch has released a second letter to Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Randy Schwartz, renewing its call for an independently appointed special prosecutor to review evidence in its private prosecution application against former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The case seeks court approval to proceed with a private prosecution alleging that Trudeau pressured, and directed others to pressure, then–Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould in 2018 to halt the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, now operating as AtkinsRéalis.
Democracy Watch first requested an independent prosecutor last March. Schwartz declined in May, prompting today’s renewed demand for a non-partisan committee—formed with input from opposition leaders—to select an independent lawyer to review the evidence and issue a public decision.
The group also criticized a September letter from John Corelli, Director of the Complex Prosecutions Bureau, for halting the application. DWatch argues Corelli’s decision was legally incorrect and lacked explanation. The organization contends the evidence meets the legal threshold for obstruction of justice and breach of trust under Canada’s Criminal Code.
“Crown prosecutors stopping this prosecution for a legally incorrect reason, just like the RCMP did, amounts to a smelly cover-up,” said Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher. He urged Downey to “do the right thing” and appoint an independent committee to ensure impartial review.
The group is represented by Jen Danch of Swadron Associates, with support from Integrity B.C. founder Wayne Crookes.