The prime minister says he did not know that WE Charity was selected to administer the Canadian Student Service Grant.
In his testimony before a House of Commons committee, Justin Trudeau says the decision was made by the public service.
“We Charity received no preferential treatment, not from me, not from anyone else,” contends Trudeau.
“The public service recommended WE Charity and I did absolutely nothing to influence that recommendation.”
Trudeau says the public service assured him that WE Charity was the only organization capable of delivering the Canada Student Service Grant Program.
He admits he should have recused himself from the contract with WE Charity but his interest in youth issues clouded his decision-making.