By Canadian Press

Sajjan sidesteps questions about Norman’s return, says he will talk to Senate

May 29, 2019 | 8:40 AM

OTTAWA — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says he is prepared to appear before the Senate’s defence committee to answer questions about the failed prosecution of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.

The committee voted on Tuesday night to conduct the probe after Crown prosecutors opted earlier this month to stay the case against Norman, who was previously the military’s second-in-command.

Speaking on the sidelines of an arms-trade show in Ottawa this morning, Sajjan repeated past assertions from the Trudeau government that the case was completely independent of any political interference.

Norman was charged with breach of trust last year for allegedly leaking government secrets about a naval contract, but the case fell apart after his lawyers uncovered new information.

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Sajjan also wouldn’t say whether the government has an opinion on Norman’s desire to return to duty, saying any decision on his reinstatement rests with defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance.

Vance and Norman had what the Defence Department described as a “cordial” meeting last week, though there has been no word on when Norman will return to duty — or in what role.

The Canadian Press