Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau Steps Down Amid Charity Scandal

Canada’s finance minister Bill Morneau is stepping down amid the ongoing scandal of accepting gifts from WE Charity and rumours of a growing rift with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

He says will resign after conflict-of-interest allegations involving WE Charity.

Morneau has faced pressure to step down after it was revealed he did not repay travel costs covered by WE while on overseas trips to see its work.He said he recently realised he had not repaid the C$41,000 in expenses and has since written a cheque.

"I will be stepping down as the finance minister and as Member of Parliament for [the riding of] Toronto-Centre”, Morneau told reporters on Monday.

Bill Morneau was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the November 2015 federal election and has served at the post for almost five years.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also facing scrutiny for his and his family's involvement with the charity.