Six questions Benjamin Perrin must answer

August 20, 2015

1. E-mails included in court documents indicate that you brokered a deal with Ms. Payne for the repayment of Mr. Duffy’s expenses. What were the details of that deal?

2. E-mails from February 22, 2013, note the following: “One issue: she [Mr. Duffy’s lawyer] wanted it all in writing. I explained that was not happening. We aren’t selling a car or settling a lawsuit here.” Mr. Wright replied to the e-mail chain with, “I told Mike last night – not in writing. He can have my word if he wants that.” What did Mr. Duffy’s lawyer want in writing, and why did you and Mr. Wright refuse to provide it?

3. On February 22, 2013 at 12:13 p.m., Mr. Wright sent an e-mail to you, Chris Woodcock, Patrick Rogers, and Stephen Lecce that said, “We are good to go from the PM once Ben has his confirmation from Payne.” What part of the deal did the Prime Minister sign off on?

4. In a statement to the RCMP, you said that: “Ray was also there on the call when Nigel Wright said to Janice Payne he would do it, and Ray Novak also received an e-mail, which you have, where Nigel says I’ll be providing my cheque… Ray was in that meeting, and Ray heard this, and I remember looking at Ray to see his reaction.” Did Mr. Novak know about Mr. Wright’s plan to use his personal funds to pay Mr. Duffy’s expenses?

5. On March 23, 2013, Nigel Wright sent you and Ray Novak an e-mail saying, “I will send my cheque on Monday.” In your opinion, would Ray Novak have read this e-mail from his boss?

6. Conservative Party spokesperson Kory Teneycke has said that it’s unfathomable that Ray Novak would know about Wright’s payment to Duffy and not tell the Prime Minister. Do you agree with his view?