Again, Michael and Mr. Dion, we all know that there are two elements to any criminal offence: the actus reus and mens rea. The actus reus is the act of the pressure exerted either by Justin Trudeau himself or by his aides. The mens rea requires a specific intent.
I want to circle back to your report, Mr. Dion. I'm going to read paragraph 284. It's very brief:
Here, in contrast, the evidence abundantly shows that Mr. Trudeau knowingly sought to influence Ms. Wilson-Raybould both directly and through the actions of his agents.
"Knowingly" is the operative term I look for as a former Crown attorney.
I'd like to know your opinion and perhaps Mr. Aquilino's. In terms of the reasonable grounds test, did that not give you the ability to make that referral, based on that finding?