"I cannot serve as clerk of the privy council and secretary to cabinet" (Image: GETTY)
Michael Wernick resigned as clerk of the Privy Council, which advises the Canadian government. Mr Trudeau has been rocked by scandal following accusations of interfering in a corruption case to help construction firm SNC-Lavalin. Former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould quit the government on March 12, claiming Mr Trudeau had subjected her to inappropriate pressure over the case.
Announcing his resignation Mr Wernick commented: “Recent events have led me to conclude that I cannot serve as clerk of the privy council and secretary to cabinet during the upcoming election campaign.
“It is now apparent that there is no path for me to have a relationship of mutual trust and respect with the leaders of the opposition parties.”
Opposition MP Charlie Angus urged Mr Wernick to resign earlier in the month, claiming he had “become a central player” in the SNC-Lavalin controversy.
Canadian politics was thrown into crisis when Ms Wilson-Raybould resigned in February, claiming she faced an “inappropriate effort”, including “veiled threats”, from Mr Trudeau and other senior government figures seeking to prevent
