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“I would ask that the record show that I abstain from voting on that matter,” Wilson-Raybould said after the vote was tallied, saying she felt she shouldn’t vote on a matter that involved her personally.

“I have said that I am seeking counsel on this matter of what I can and cannot say,” she went on. “I understand fully that Canadians want to know the truth and want transparency. Privilege and confidentiality are not mine to waive, and I hope that I have the opportunity to speak my truth.”

The short speech prompted standing applause from the opposition parties across the aisle — and silence from her Liberal colleagues.

Photo by Sean Kilpatrick/CP

Her comments add drama to the testimony she is set to give to the Commons justice committee, which has launched a study of the matter. Liberal MPs on the committee had initially rejected calls to have Wilson-Raybould testify, but relented on Tuesday and added her to the witness list. She’s expected to testify early next week, though the schedule is not finalized.

However, opposition members of the committee have expressed concern they may not get much out of Wilson-Raybould’s testimony if she is not free to speak about matters potentially covered by solicitor-client privilege. Liberal committee members defeated a motion calling on Trudeau to waive the privilege.

The Liberals also voted down a motion to have Prime Minister’s Office staff come testify, including former principal secretary Gerald Butts, who resigned on Monday.