Official Ottawa is abuzz this morning. The Toronto Star front page features one of the most revealing pieces of investigative journalism Canada has seen in recent years.
Allegedly exposing the intimate details of the hours leading up the the arrest of former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer’s arrest for driving under the influence and possession of cocaine. The article makes a strong link between a person known to several police departments and the husband of a sitting cabinet minister.
To many observers, even more shocking than Jaffer’s attendance at a lavish dinner party replete with hired escorts, seems to be that investigative journalism is alive and well in Canada.
Scoops happen all the time in Ottawa. Exclusive interview too. Real live investigative reporting – with this many rich details and characters – this is rare in Canadian politics (there are notable exceptions of course). Reporters from competing outlets will be forced to reference the Star this AM – there is no way around it. The reporting of Kevin Donovan is being talked about almost as much as the contents of the article.
Here is one quip from Ottawa Citizen investigative journalist Glenn McGregor:
Today will be a fascinating case of damage control from the Conservative government.
The clever writing style helps mask the lack of direct quotes. And, even though the reporter took pains to explain why:
“Former and current associates of Gillani were granted anonymity for this story for several reasons, primarily because they fear physical retribution from Gillani and his associates”
Expect the Conservatives to trot out some variation of the “we are not commenting on anonymous sources” line.
Thus far, the Minister of State has stood by her man. Berating reporters, ignoring questions and offering flip rebuttals in the House of Commons to opposition queries. Do the facts as presented by the Toronto Star change her position at all? This saga will last just as long as she remains in Cabinet and there are stories to tell about Rahim Jaffer.
Which will run out of steam first?
