Canada's top bureaucrat quits over prosecution meddling claims

Canada's top bureaucrat quit Monday in the wake of accusations of political meddling in the criminal prosecution of a corporate giant that has dogged his boss, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Despite having worked for three prime ministers, including Trudeau, Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick said the meddling controversy strained his relationship with opposition lawmakers, who have accused him of bias.

He is retiring after 38 years in public service.

"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," he said.

For weeks, Trudeau's government has been rocked by accusations from his former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould of "consistent and sustained" political pressure to shield SNC-Lavalin from a trial.

The prime minister recently addressed the allegations, telling reporters in Ottawa that he had learned "lessons" from the crisis -- but denying any wrongdoing.

The Montreal-based engineering giant was charged with corruption over alleged bribes paid to secure contracts in Libya.

It openly lobbied Ottawa for an out-of-court settlement that would result in a fine and agreeing to compliance measures, saying a conviction would lead to job losses.

But Wilson-Raybould refused to ask prosecutors to settle, and the trial is set to proceed.

She later testified to lawmakers, after resigning, that she had received "veiled threats" over her stance.

Trudeau's top lieutenant, Gerald Butts, who was named along with Wernick as among Wilson-Raybould's tormentors, quit last month, saying he did not want to become a distraction for the government ahead of October elections.

Budget minister Jane Philpott also resigned, saying she had lost confidence in Trudeau.

Testifying before the House of Commons justice committee, Wernick rejected the allegations and strongly defended the Trudeau administration.

(AFP)