OTTAWA – Helena Guergis is fighting back against news reports that say the RCMP is looking into allegations of drug use and potential blackmail.
Guergis’ lawyer said in an email that the former cabinet minister vigorously denies the claims of a private investigator who is speaking to the RCMP about the matter.
Investigator Derek Snowdy had been probing Toronto businessman Nazim Gillani, according to reports by CTV News and the Toronto Star.
Snowdy posed as a potential business client, and during their interactions Gillani claimed he had compromising photographs of Guergis and Jaffer around drugs and prostitutes.
Guergis’ lawyer said Gillani was making ridiculous boasts to persuade the investigator to do business with him, and that the circumstances speak for themselves.
Gillani’s spokesman said he couldn’t offer immediate comment on the reports.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper ejected Guergis from the Conservative caucus and called in the Mounties last Friday, citing unspecified allegations.
He said he had also referred the matter to the Commons ethics commissioner, but Mary Dawson said Thursday she did not have an official request from Harper to conduct an investigation.
