Justice minister takes new oath after wording prompted by SNC-Lavalin affair left out

OTTAWA — The new federal justice minister and attorney general is slated to swear a fresh oath today because the one he recited last week left out wording ushered in following the SNC-Lavalin affair.

Toronto Liberal MP Arif Virani took over the key portfolio from David Lametti in the recent federal cabinet shuffle.

A political storm hit the federal Liberals in early 2019 amid allegations prime ministerial aides leaned on Jody Wilson-Raybould, attorney general at the time, to ensure there was a deal to avoid the prosecution of engineering firm SNC-Lavalin on corruption and fraud charges.

A report later recommended against separating the minister of justice and attorney general roles, but suggested a series of changes, including revising the oath to better distinguish the difference between the two.