TRUST ME

Re “Gentleman Johnston pushes back at politicians, but problem lingers” (May 24): David Johnston has earned the trust of his peers as a professor and dean of law, university principal and president and in a variety of public service roles over decades.

He has earned the respect of Canadians as a distinguished governor-general.

By all accounts, he is eminently qualified to determine if a public inquiry into foreign government interference would serve Canadians.

He decided that such a process will not provide any greater transparency owing to national security concerns than can be obtained via a process of public hearings.

Given Mr. Johnston’s character and legal expertise, I trust that this “gentleman” made his decision based on principles, not politics.

■ Mary Ellen Chown Oakville, Ont.

I have found, in my long corporate and personal lives, that generally if one has to ask the question, “Am I in a conflict of interest?” the answer is, “Yes.”

David Johnston should never have been selected by the Prime Minister to fulfill this task. On being asked, he should have had the judgment to refuse it.

Disappointing to me all around.

■ Eve Giannini Toronto