Canada Finance Minister Bill Morneau resigns amide charity probe

Canada’s finance minister Bill Morneau has decided to resign after conflict-of-interest allegations involving WE Charity.

According to details, Mr. Morneau said while addressing media that he was no longer the “appropriate person” for his role in Mr. Trudeau’s cabinet. But he also mentioned that the WE scandal did not prompt his decision to resign.

“I met with the prime minister today to inform him that I did not plan to run again in the next election,” he told reporters. “It has never been my plan to run for more than two federal election cycles.”

He also said that his successor would have a “longer-term perspective” as Canada deals with economic recovery after coronavirus pandemic.

Mr. Morneau has worked with PM Justin Trudeau since 2015.

The prime minister thanked Mr. Morneau for his “unwavering leadership and commitment to service” as well as his “advice, and close friendship” throughout his tenure.

Bill Morneau has remained under hot water as it was revealed he did not repay travel costs covered by WE while on overseas trips.

He said that he recently realized he had not repaid the C$41,000 in expenses and has since written a cheque.

On the other hand, Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh said: “Canadians need a government that is focused on helping them, not on their own scandals. In the middle of a financial crisis, Justin Trudeau has lost his finance minister.

“Every time he gets caught breaking ethics laws, he makes someone else take the heat. That’s not leadership.”