The federal government is fighting defence requests for the release of notes from meetings between officials at the Privy Council Office (PCO) and Crown lawyers. In an email sent to Norman's lawyers on Friday, one of the lead prosecutors, Barbara Mercier, said the documents being sought by the defence are going to be censored because they deal with "trial strategy." That prompted defence counsel Christine Mainville to accuse the Prime Minister's Office of trying to direct the case. "The prosecution should not be discussing trial strategy with the Prime Minister's Office's right-hand person," she said, referring to the PCO legal counsel. The Prime Minister's Office, via its right arm the PCO, is dealing directly with the (Public Prosecution Service of Canada).

Source: CBC News February 11, 2019 19:14 UTC