All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works. The allegation comes after it was revealed that the Justice Department wants the Mounties to pass over some of their blood-related files so the government can defend itself in lawsuits launched by victims.
Critics are outraged that federal lawyers are making the request at all.
For starters, they note there is a long-standing tradition that governments should remain separate from the activities of the police. And that has no place in an investigation that is supposed to be above and beyond politics. It flies in the face of justice. Reform MP Jim Abbott said it's clear the Chretien government doesn't understand the principle behind why government officials should stay away from police investigations. But James Bissell, assistant deputy minister of justice, said the department has in no way tried to influence the criminal probe.