WATCH: Conservative MPs call for Trudeau to end 'cover-ups' surrounding sexual misconduct allegations, WE Charity

Conservative Shadow Minister for Ethics Michael Barrett and Conservative Shadow Minister for Jobs and Industry Pierre Poilievre issued the following statement calling on the Liberals to respect Canadians and end what they describe as a "cover-up" surrounding sexual misconduct allegations and the WE Charity scandal.

"Prime Minister Trudeau says ministers, not staff, should testify on conduct in their offices. We accept his point of view. So instead of having staff members in his office testify about WE scandal correspondence, we will accept their minister, Justin Trudeau himself, to come and testify. He is the minister responsible for the Prime Minister’s Office. He is effectively offering to testify to explain staff conduct and we accept his offer.

"Last week, the Liberal government received a clear message. The key players – or Justin Trudeau – must testify on the cover-up of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Liberals’ WE scandal. Instead of doing the right thing and coming clean with Canadians, the Liberals instructed these key players to continue to cover-up the truth.

Prime Minister Trudeau approved a performance bonus for former Chief of Defense Staff Jonathan Vance even after he was made aware of the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against the retired general, The Globe and Mail reported last week.

Documents show that Vance's bonus pay in 2019 was increased to between $260,600 and $306,500 effective the previous year, an increase of about $50,000. The increase was issued through an order-in-council. This is despite the fact that the Prime Minister's Office was alerted to the sexual misconduct allegations against Vance in early 2018.

"We know the Liberals are hiding the truth from Canadians. When in opposition, Justin Trudeau repeatedly asked for individuals to testify before committee – what changed now? What information are the Liberals working so hard to hide from Canadians?

"It’s concerning that Justin Trudeau would ask for transparency in opposition and then direct key players not to be honest about the cover-up of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Liberals’ WE scandal.

"For the Liberals to continue covering up sexual misconduct and corruption is a disgrace and a disservice to all Canadians. Canada’s Conservatives will continue to demand the truth for Canadians and ensure accountability."