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In an interview, Angus said he isn’t trying to question Cudmore’s integrity as a journalist or his right to take new work, but is instead focusing on the risk to the confidential sources.

“How do we make sure that government (officials), who get really angry when they don’t like stories, don’t get to find out who the whistle-blower was?” he said.

“I’m not saying that Cudmore handed over information, but everything around this deal and the hiring of Cudmore raises questions .. .I want to know that the clear wall between pissed-off government officials and pesky journalists is maintained.”

He said he isn’t sure how exactly extra protections could be designed or implemented, but wanted to have somebody look into it and the CBC ombudsman seemed to be the right vehicle.

Conservative MPs have also been focusing on Cudmore’s hiring during the Commons question period, though ministers have insisted they can’t comment on any aspect of the Norman case.

“On what date was the former CBC reporter offered a job as the director of policy in the office of the Minister of National Defence?” asked Conservative MP Candice Bergen last week in a typical exchange.

“The honourable member once again is pursuing a line of questioning that relates very directly to a matter that is outstanding before the courts,” said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. “It is not only inappropriate for ministers to respond but it is inappropriate for the question to be placed that could impinge upon an outstanding court proceeding.”

Norman’s case is scheduled to be back in court on Nov. 2 for procedural issues. The first pre-trial hearing, set to start Dec. 12, will focus on whether the government is disclosing enough documents to the defence for Norman to fully defend himself.

The trial is scheduled to start Aug. 19, 2019, and run for seven to eight weeks, meaning it may coincide with the next federal election campaign.

bplatt@postmedia.com | Twitter: btaplatt