Ottawa

Vikileaks was the work of a Liberal

A member of the Liberal party’s research bureau was the author of the “vikileaks” Twitter account

Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae rose after Question Period and reported to the House that a member of the Liberal party’s research bureau was the author of the “vikileaks” Twitter account. That individual has resigned.

The Harper government had accused the NDP of being responsible. Joe Comartin, the NDP’s House leader, stood after Mr. Rae and asked the government to apologize. Peter Van Loan and John Baird duly did so.

Update 3:19pm. A statement from Mr. Rae, distributed by his office.

“I learned yesterday that an investigation into the online activities of Parliamentary staff conducted by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons has found a link between the @Vikileaks30 social media account and an employee of the Liberal Research Bureau.

On behalf of the Liberal Caucus, I wish to apologize to Minister Toews and Speaker Scheer for the improper use of a parliamentary account and for sharing personal information intended to embarrass Minister Toews.

The employee involved has advised me that he took this initiative on his own, has apologised for his action, regrets the embarrassment he has caused and has offered his resignation. In the circumstances I have accepted it.

I shall be making clear that political controversy is one thing, personal attacks are another.”

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