Brian Mulroney Media Room

Jonas: Dancing to Schreiber’s tune

 Email To Friend |  Print |25/03/08

From Saturday’s National Post:

If it weren’t a political matter, the committee would recommend no inquiry because there’s nothing to inquire into. Nothing, that is, other than the convolutions of Mr. Schreiber’s mind. The RCMP and the media spent years investigating everything else, sometimes acting in unseemly symbiosis. Ambitious police officers went close to the line, or even crossed it, trying to find evidence of corruption in the Mulroney government, preferably at the top. Eager print and broadcast journalists researched the case with a zeal worthy of better causes. Far from being objective and dispassionate, some investigators were so convinced of wrongdoing in the highest places that they walked right to the edge looking for evidence, then fell off the cliff reaching for it. Some landed in the abyss of wrongdoing themselves; others are still hanging from the cliff by their fingernails.

Read the full column.

Brian Mulroney reflects on the achievements of Simon Reisman

 Email To Friend |  Print |10/03/08

Former prime minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, today expressed his sadness at the passing of Simon Reisman, and his condolences to the family of a man he described as courageous and “indispensable.”

Recalling his appointment of Mr.Reisman as Ambassador to the Free Trade negotiations in 1985, Mr. Mulroney said, “Simon Reisman’s leadership skill and intelligence were essential to the success of those complex and challenging negotiations.” Previously, Mr. Reisman had distinguished himself on many trade negotiation files over many years, most notably his role in securing the Autopact under Prime Minister Lester Pearson.

“Over more than that two and half years, his determination and persistence were essential to our final success in concluding the Free Trade Agreement. After a lifetime of service to the people of Canada, it represented the crowning achievement of his career,” the former prime minister said.

Mulroney described the agreement as “a monument to Simon’s courage and perseverance. He was truly the indispensable leader of our team. I valued our work together and treasure the memories of his contribution to that great struggle to build a secure trade future for Canada.”

“Canada has lost one of its great public servants,” he concluded.

Statement by Shawn Murphy, MP (Charlottetown)

 Email To Friend |  Print |03/03/08

Shawn Murphy, MP (Charlottetown) today made the following statement in the House of Commons:

“Mr. Speaker and members of the assembly. On Thursday afternoon last week I made a number of comments during time allotted for members’ statements that were wrong, improper, inappropriate and extremely unparliamentarian. I want to stand in this House today and apologize for my behaviour and retract those remarks.

Firstly I want to apologize to the House for those remarks as there were, as I say, wrong, improper and extremely unparliamentarian. Since being elected as a member from Charlottetown seven years ago, I have attempted to conduct myself with dignity and honour – in other words – in a manner that acknowledges and respects the importance and significance of this institution. That certainly, Mr. Speaker, was not the case last Thursday afternoon. I deeply regret my actions.

Secondly, I want to sincerely apologize to the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney and his family. Although the remarks were rhetorical and meant solely as hyperbole, there were highly improper and ought not to have been made. I sincerely apologize to him and his family and I do hope he accepts my apologies.

Thirdly, Mr. Speaker, I want to apologize to my colleague and friend the Member of Parliament for Abbottsford. He had the floor at the time my remarks were made and I should not have been saying anything at that particular time, let alone what I did say.

I want to apologize to you, Mr. Speaker. You have a difficult job in this highly partisan environment. You do a good job. I did not make your job any easier and I want to apologize for my behaviour.

I also want to apologize to my family – immediate and extended – for any embarrassment caused to them. They have come to expect better and on this occasion I feel I have let them down.

Mr. Speaker, I could go on and give some reasons or excuses, or try to explain to this House what was going on in my head at that particular moment. I will not, as I feel it will only detract from my apology and retraction.

I want my statement to be full, frank, unqualified and without any qualification whatsoever. In other words, I accept full responsibility for my inappropriate words.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I repeat that I apologize for my inappropriate remarks and I hope that all members of this assembly will accept my apology and retraction. Than you, Mr. Speaker, for allotting me the time [inaudible].”

Search