The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Does it really matter whether Canada holds a public inquiry into former prime minister Brian MulroneyÕs business dealings with Karlheinz Schreiber, the German-Canadian lobbyist who gave Mulroney envelopes stuffed with cash soon after he left office? Recent public opinion polls suggest that many Canadians believe it would be a waste of time and money for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to order a full-scale inquiry into the dealings between Mulroney and Schreiber, which occurred more than 13 years ago. ÒWhatÕs the point?Ó is what they seem to be saying. A public inquiry does matter, though, for reasons outlined soundly by Liberal Leader Stphane Dion and New Democrat Leader Jack Layton in year-end interviews. WhatÕs at stake is Òthe integrity of a fundamental institution of our democracy, the office of the prime minister,Ó Dion argued. Canadians need to know Òwhat happened between Mr. Mulroney and Mr. Schreiber.Ó And as Layton put it, Òit will be worth it if it generates some proposals that will stop the influence of cash on politics.Ó ThatÕs all true. And there is another compelling reason for a probe. The message needs to go out that the public expects political leaders and business people to behave in an ethical and transparent manner, and will actively follow up in cases where there is any doubt. While Mulroney insists his dealings were ethical and lawful, he acknowledges the payments left Òan impression of impropriety.Ó All this should guide Harper adviser David Johnston when he files his report by Jan. 11 on the terms of a possible inquiry. Despite some public skepticism, he has reason to favour one. After testimony from both men before a House of Commons panel, questions remain. Did Mulroney get $225,000 as he says, or $300,000 as Schreiber says? Why did Mulroney accept three cash payments? Why did he use safe deposit boxes, not banks? When did he and Schreiber work out the terms of their deal? What were they? Many wonder whether an inquiry can get to the bottom of this murky business. There is no guarantee. But that is no excuse not to try.
