This entire mess could have been avoided if Harper was a secure enough of a leader to simply admit that Duffy was a mistake, turf him from the party, force him to pay back from his own pocket, and shame him into resigning.

But Harper was so overly sensitive to criticism, so scared of admitting any kind of mistake (which his Govt constantly made).    In other words:   a huge ego made of glass supported by supporters who believed every bit of propaganda fed to them.    Truly a case of the Emperor having no clothes.    That's why this elaborate failed coverup was attempted: i.e.    To maintain the thin, fake veneer of "honesty and accountability".

A true leader would have nipped this in the bud, moved on, and might be governing for their second straight majority.