Gerald Butts has announced his resignation as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's principal secretary. Butts' resignation comes amid allegations that the Prime Minister's Office interfered to prevent a criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. Butts denies he or anyone else in the office improperly pressured former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould. Wilson-Raybould resigned from Trudeau's cabinet last week. She has not explained why and she has not commented on the allegation. Butts is one of several top Trudeau aides the opposition parties had wanted to call before the House of Commons justice committee to testify on what happened. Butts says in a statement that the allegation is distracting from the "vital work" the prime minister is doing. Trudeau's longtime friend adds it's in the best interests of the government for him to step down and it's his responsibility to defend his own reputation. (The Canadian Press)
