Conservative MP Michael Cooper (St. Albert-Edmonton, AB) said the Canadian government spent $4.5 million on a team of lawyers, with ties to the Liberals, to support former special rapporteur David Johnston. .“Liberals helping Liberals with your money,” tweeted Cooper..“Taxpayers deserve a refund.”.Democracy Watch confirmed in May a Toronto lawyer who helped Johnston in his investigation of alleged misconduct by Chinese agents refused to cite her connections to the Liberals. .READ MORE: Liberal-linked lawyer assisted in Johnston's investigation of Chinese election interference .Democracy Watch filed an ethics complaint against Torys LLP lawyer Sheila Block. .“I retained Sheila Block of Torys LLP to assist me in obtaining, reviewing and analyzing the materials that I expected to receive as well as assisting with interviews,” said Johnston. .The Privy Council Office (PCO) said it does not hold a contract with Navigator. .“The company was sub-contracted by Torys LLP within their overall context,” said the PCO. .“Expenses are not anticipated to reach the full value of the contract, in light of the Independent Special Rapporteur finalizing his work earlier than expected.” .The start date for the contract was in April, and it was supposed to end on October 31. .The provision of professional services related to the aspects of the special rapporteur’s mandate and terms of reference. .In processing parliamentary returns, the Canadian government applies the Privacy Act and the principles set out in the Access to Information Act. As such, the information has been withheld. .The contract was sole sourced. .Johnston stepped down as special rapporteur in June..READ MORE: Johnston steps down in Chinese election interference investigation.“When I undertook the task of Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions,” he said. .“I have concluded that, given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect.”
