Saying there’s ”no path” to have a ”relationship of mutual trust and respect” with the Conservatives or New Democrats should either win the October election, Privy Council Clerk Michael Wernick is retiring.

(Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

In a letter to the prime minister, Wernick wrote recent events have led him to conclude he cannot stay on the country’s top civil servant during the upcoming election campaign. 

Former justice minister and attorney-general Jody Wilson-Raybould accused him of pressuring her to help SNC-Lavalin avoid criminal prosecution. 

Wernick has said everything he did was within what would be considered acceptable behaviour. 

Privy Council clerk since 2016 and in the public service for nearly 38 years, it is not clear just when Wernick will leave, but, he’s hinted he will have more to say later. 

A spokesperson for the prime minister says Justin Trudeau did not ask for his resignation.