Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s top adviser has resigned while denying allegations that he pressured Canada’s former attorney general to avoid prosecuting a major Canadian engineering company.
Principal secretary Gerald Butts has been Trudeau’s closest adviser and best friend since university, and his resignation over the widening scandal was a significant blow to the prime minister, who is facing an election this year.
Butts issued a statement denying that anyone in Trudeau’s office pressured then attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould.
“I categorically deny the accusation that I or anyone else in his office pressured Ms Wilson-Raybould,” Butts said.
“But the fact is that this accusation exists. It cannot and should not take one moment away from the vital work the prime minister and his office is doing for all Canadians.”
“Gerald Butts served his government — and our country — with integrity, sage advice and devotion. I want to thank him for his service and continued friendship,” Trudeau tweeted.