Confusion over former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s status with the Conservative Party began late last month. Party officials allegedly told reporters Mulroney had given up his membership. Mulroney denied it saying he would be a Conservative until death.
Public Inquiry Causes Conservative Caucus Rift
A public inquiry into Mulroney’s business dealings with German Businessman Karlheinz Schreiber has begun. The inquiry centers on a series of three payments totaling $225 thousand. Mulroney argues he received the money as payment for his work as an international lobbyist. Schreiber, who faces extradition to Germany on fraud and tax evasion charges, argues the total is actually $300 thousand. According to Schreiber Mulroney did nothing to earn it, and it dates to his final days as Prime Minister.
The rift began when Prime Minister Harper ordered his government members including those who still count Mulroney a personal friend to sever all ties. According to an April 6th Canadian Press report the rift culminated in a caucus meeting marked by bitter exchanges and heckling.
Many Conservatives were upset over how the current PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) treated the former Prime Minister. When a cabinet minister explained the PMO’s view, she was heckled.
After speaking with Mulroney by phone, one supporter took the podium in his defence. The end of the resulting confrontation left one unnamed member remarking it was unlike the party to fight like that.
Other supporters include Alberta MP Lee Richardson, Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Senator Gerry St. Germain, and Senator David Angus. In comments published by the Canadian Press, Angus categorically denied Mulroney had given up his membership: “It’s not true.”
Harper’s Defends Mulroney Inquiry, Conservatives Get Talking Points
Harper defended his decision to call the public inquiry. In remarks published on ctv.ca he stated: “A number of people including Mulroney demanded an inquiry.”
Even though he defended the decision, he never directly answered questions on Mulroney’s status. In remarks published on cbc.ca he denied any knowledge: “I can’t address the subject. I don’t honestly know the answer. I’ve been reading and hearing different things.”
Conservative Party officials have come up with a series of talking points for members to answer with when asked about the controversy. According to the Toronto Star these include: “These stories don’t relate to anything Canadians care about”, “I won’t comment on internal caucus discussions and I won’t respond to anonymous sources,” and “we are proceeding with the inquiry and will not be sidetracked.”
Brian Mulroney was Prime Minister from 1988-1993. He’s best remembered for signing NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), and two failed attempts to get Quebec’s signature on the constitution.
