Opposition MPs called for the head of the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Ian Brodie, Thursday after it
was revealed an offhand remark he made to journalists preceded the leak of a confidential diplomatic
discussion that rocked the U.S. presidential campaign.
“We know that Ian Brodie, the chief of staff for the Prime Minister was involved, and this was clear
involvement in American politics,” said NDP Leader Jack Layton.
“So will the Prime Minister show some backbone and show Mr. Brodie the door immediately?”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who on Tuesday told the House of Commons his chief of staff was not
responsible for the leak that many believe helped undermine the campaign of U.S. Democratic candidate Barack Obama, was not as explicit Thursday.
“I'm not going to comment on rumours,” Mr. Harper said during Question Period.
“The Clerk of the Privy Council will inquire into the entire affair. We're going to investigate this entire
matter and take whatever action is deemed to be necessary based on the facts that we are able to
discover,” he said.
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion demanded a clarification on Mr. Harper's earlier defence of his chief of
staff. Source...
