Liberal MP Andrew Leslie set to testify against feds at Mark Norman trial: sources

Former star candidate and now outgoing Liberal MP Andrew Leslie is on the witness list to testify if called, against the government on behalf of suspended Vice-Admiral Mark Norman in the high-profile case about the alleged leak of cabinet documents, CTV News has learned.

>Leslie, who represents the Ottawa riding of Orleans and was previously a lieutenant-general in Canadian military, would not comment. But sources tell CTV News that he informed the Prime Minister's Office more than a year ago that he would testify on behalf of Norman. Sources confirm that he is listed on the defence witness list.

>Two high level sources tell CTV News that after Leslie informed the PMO that he would testify on behalf of Norman he was not pressured to change his testimony nor was he asked not to run again.

>CTV News has also learned that Leslie asked that his legal costs be covered by the government, and that request has been signed off on, sources said.

>In contrast, CTV News has learned that Norman’s legal fees, which are not being covered by the government, have grown to more than $500,000 and that this has presented him with a serious financial burden that sources tell CTV News is very difficult for him to deal with at the moment.

>It is not known in what context Leslie could be preparing to present if the case goes to trial, whether it's as a character witness, or in a more substantive way. There is no trial date set yet in the high-profile case, which is why there is no confirmation as to when Leslie might testify, though it is expected to begin in August, months before the Oct. 21 federal election.

>When asked for comment, Cameron Ahmad, communications director in the Prime Minister's Office said: "We do not comment on matters before the courts, and we respect the independence of the court process."

>[…]

>Prior to being recruited by the Liberals, Leslie spent 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including as the head of the Army during the war in Afghanistan.

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https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/liberal-mp-andrew-leslie-set-to-testify-against-feds-at-mark-norman-trial-sources-1.4406831