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COMMENTARY: Absence of criminal charges does not prove innocence

Alex (Sandy) MacDonald is right about one important principle in his recent opinion piece: serious allegations require serious evidence. Where we disagree is with any suggestion that the absence of criminal charges settles the broader questions surrounding foreign interference, regulatory accountability and national security on Prince Edward Island.

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The RCMP investigates whether evidence supports criminal charges. CSIS assesses threats to Canada’s security. IRAC has separate responsibilities concerning landholding limits, beneficial ownership, related parties and regulatory decision-making. These are different mandates with different evidentiary thresholds. A decision not to prosecute does not establish that every intelligence, ownership, governance or regulatory question has been answered. Indeed, according to our discussions with the premier, the RCMP investigation remains ongoing.

MacDonald asks for evidence. So do we.

Investigative research

But Islanders should understand that a considerable body of evidence has already been uncovered through investigative journalism, government records, public inquiries, corporate and land records, institutional documents and the research underlying Canada Under Siege. What journalists, authors and citizens do not possess are the powers of a federal inquiry: the ability to compel documents and testimony, examine government records, hear protected evidence and test competing claims against information unavailable to the public.

We have some of the receipts. A federal public inquiry has the power to obtain the rest.

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