Opposition sides with military ombudsman on access to cabinet secrets
OTTAWA - The federal Opposition is accusing the Harper government of obstructing the work of the military ombudsman following reports Pierre Daigle was recently refused access to cabinet documents.
NDP critic Matthew Kellway says Daigle is one of a growing list of watchdogs who are being prevented from doing their jobs.
The military ombudsman says he believes his mandate allows him to look at secret cabinet documents, as long as he doesn't report on their contents.
He was blocked when his staff sought documents related to the inability of National Defence to deliver on a promise to increase dismemberment coverage for part-time soldiers.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay flatly denies that the ombudsman has been hindered, telling the House of Commons the department has an open and productive relationship with Daigle.
Former veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran ran into a similar fight with the Conservatives and he obtained a legal opinion that said his mandate allowed him access to secret documents.
