She thinks it might be premature, but a political scientist at the University of Windsor is not surprised the opposition is calling for Justin Trudeau's head after his former Attorney General's testimony before the Commons committee.
Jody Wilson-Raybould's explosive testimony Wednesday alleged players in the Justice Department, the Prime Minister's Office and even the prime minister himself attempted to pressure her repeatedly into dropping criminal prosecution against Quebec engineering firm SNC Lavalin.
The firm is accused of bribing officials in Libya in return for business opportunities.
Associate Professor of political science Lydia Miljan admitted she was surprised Wilson-Raybould was so open about the inner workings of the Trudeau government.
"In particular, there was an exchange between her and some staffers who were saying 'we don't care about the legalities anymore. If you make this decision, we'll just find some academics to write op-eds, and that will give you cover.' It really shows how much the Prime Minister's Office can control the message," said Miljan.
The question now is whether Wilson-Raybould will lose her seat in caucus too. Miljan said while an expulsion may not play well with the public, Trudeau will face much criticism from party faithful if he lets her stay.
"I thought she didn't just blow up the party, she blew up the government because it was just such damning testimony," assessed Miljan.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is calling on the prime minister to resign, and Miljan believes the call may be a little premature. Although she confessed some surprise it took three weeks after the story broke.
"I remember back in the day where somebody would stub their toe, and there were calls for the minister's resignation," she laughed, but added that other politicians have resigned for less. "Jean Chretien -- Ad Scam was really why he had to resign, and Paul Martin -- he had to pay the price for that public inquiry."
On whether a public inquiry is needed, Miljan said the less the Liberals have to do with setting the ground rules, the better for Canadians.
"I'm not opposed to public inquiries. I'm a bit concerned though about what the terms of reference would be and who set those," she said. "If it was a public inquiry where the terms of reference was set by the opposition, or it was an open inquiry, I would have more confidence in it."
The New Democrats are also calling for an RCMP investigation, and Miljan said that might already be underway.
"People need to be subpoenaed under oath," she said.
One thing Miljan was unequivocal about is the testimony will haunt the Liberals, even six months from now when Canadians go to the polls.
"This is going to stick to them, in part because nothing has been resolved," she said. "Either you have an RCMP investigation or an inquiry. That's going to drag on. But, also the opposition parties, and rightly so, are going to make this a ballot box issue."
