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OTTAWA — The RCMP have contacted the Prime Minister’s Office as part of its investigation of a secret payment to Sen. Mike Duffy.

A senior government official, who would only speak on condition of anonymity, said that investigators have officially asked Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office for information.

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The official wouldn’t say who the RCMP have asked to speak with, or what information investigators have asked for, but reports last week suggested Harper’s office was withholding a key email where Duffy allegedly outlines a deal for

Harper’s former chief of staff, Nigel Wright, to give him $90,000 to cover the repayment of his improper living expense claims.

Harper’s office denied the report.

On Monday evening, a spokeswoman for Harper, Julie Vaux, would only say that the PMO would fully co-operate with the investigation when asked about the RCMP investigation.

The development brings RCMP investigators to the heart of Harper’s government and the place where the $90,000 payment plan was developed.