Mulroney-Schriever Inquiry: It Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Posted by Laura Steiner May 1, 2009

The Mulroney-Schreiver Inquiry is a public investigation into business dealings between German Businessman Karlheinz Schreiver, and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. It boils down to the question of whether or not Mulroney took money from Schreiver while he was Prime Minister or afterward when he allegedly worked as a lobbyist for the German businessman.

The whole thing leaves more questions than answers. Schreiver has been in jail awaitng extradition to Germany on a variety of tax-related charges. He's changed his story regarding Mulroney multiple times, and worse still lawyers have caught him on it.

Question #1: Why should we believe someone who has been caught lying on the stand, and is facing charges in another country? I don't think we should. We should allow the extradition to go ahead, and have done with him.

When Mulroney left office, he was arguably disgraced. He'd tried twice to get Quebec to sign the constitution, and failed both times. He'd signed NAFTA (North American Free-Trade Agreement), and introduced the G.S.T. (Goods & Services Tax) both measures which angered Canadians. He also lost a few members of his caucus when they left to form the Bloc Quebecois, a federal separatist party. His credibility, and reputation were ruined. He still isn't well-liked even today.

Question #2: What is there to gain by reaching back over a decade and further wrecking an already-ruined reputation? Mulroney is an old man, and I'm having trouble finding the merit in putting him through this. Besides, he was Prime Minister of this country, and like the guy or not he deserves some measure of respect.

The inquiry was called by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It's costing taxpayers approximately $5 million. It's also rumoured have caused Harper some problems in his caucus as various MP's including Defense Minister Peter MacKay speaking up in Mulroney's defense.

And that brings me to 3 more questions:

#3. In these tough economic times, isn't there a better way to spend $5 million? I think so. Of the top of my head there's a few roads that need repair, and hospitals as well as other infrastructure that need improvements.

Mulroney is supposed to be one of Harper's closer advisers, and friends:

#4 Why go to such an extent to publicly disgrace someone who is supposed to be among your friends?

#5: What does Stephen Harper have to gain by this whole thing? Does he appear as the guy who pursues accountablity to the ends of the earth even if damages his own party? Or is there a more personal agenda at work here? If there is, then maybe we should consider looking at Harper for abuse of power.

We'll be no closer to the truth after this inquiry is over. As a matter of fact I think we might find out a thing or two we wish we hadn't.

For more information on rift in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's caucus see: Mystery Surrounds Mulroney's Conservative Status

*** Update*** August 5, 2009: Karlheinz Schreiber has been deported to Germany and faces charges of tax evasion and bribery. If convicted he may face up t0 15 years in jail.

For more info see: Karlheinz Schreiber Deported to Germany.