Strahl steps down as spy watchdog chair after lobbying uproar

Former Conservative MP Chuck Strahl is stepping down as chair of the Security Intelligence Review Committee following an uproar over revelations that he recently registered as a lobbyist for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project. In a statement released to media late Friday afternoon, Strahl said that although he has complied with “all relevant rules and regulations” for ex-MPs, he does “not wish to be in the centre of the political fray. “Nor do I want to be a distraction from the important work SIRC does every day in ensuring the security of Canadians. It is therefore with regret that I have concluded it is best for all concerned that I step down as Chair of SIRC.”