Tories Call In RCMP to Probe Former Staffer

A former Conservative aide to the public works minister allegedly broke the law when he interfered with an access-to-information request.

It’s another instance of bad optics for the Conservatives, but this time they’re the ones calling for an investigation into their accountability. As the opposition continues to hammer the government for its perceived lack of transparency, Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose announced Monday she had requested the RCMP investigate Sebastian Tongeri, who resigned after it was revealed he told Public Works officials not to comply with an access-to-information request made by the Canadian Press in 2009. Anyone convicted of interfering with an access-to-information request faces a $10,000 fine or up to two years in jail. Calling in the RCMP themselves allows the Conservatives to decline commenting on the ongoing investigation, but also gives the opposition ammunition ahead of a possible spring election.