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Thursday, August 19, 2010
Economical With the Truth
Oh, Brian! Did you do some lying?
Cabinet documents obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press through an access-to-information request show Mulroney was briefed regularly throughout the summer of 1986 about the matter, which saw Manitoba-based Bristol Aerospace ultimately lose a 20-year, $100-million contract to Quebec-based Canadair.
Memos suggest he was heavily involved in figuring out alternative plans and consolation prizes to reduce the outcry he and his government knew would result from favouring a Quebec-based firm that hadn't actually won the competition on merit.
But [former Manitoba Premier] Pawley said that when he spoke by phone to Mulroney about the contract on Oct. 23, 1986, Mulroney assured him not only had a decision not been made, Mulroney hadn't even been brought up to speed on what was happening.
"He said he hadn't even studied the file," said Pawley.
The problem with playing both sides against the middle, is that eventually the middle gets fed up. Keep in mind that this is Pawley's word against Mulroney's, regarding private conversations. I'm doubtful Mulroney would have been so rash in his wording. That said, there are ways, known to skillful politicians, how not lie, yet also not tell the truth. "He said he hadn't even studied the file." That depends on your definition of the word "studied" doesn't it? Assuming Mulroney used that word, nearly a quarter of a century ago.
The one fact that is obvious today, just as it was then, is that Bristol Aerospace had the superior bid and that it was, in every sense of the word, shafted by a federal government beholden to Quebec. Such are the ways of government, even when engaged in a perfectly legitimate activity like defense spending.
Posted by Richard Anderson on August 19, 2010 | Permalink
Comments
Mulroney demonstrated the ethical costs associated with getting a majority Government within the leftist / regional political ghettos of Canada. He sold his soul to Satan (Quebec nationalists). His arrogance was only outdone by his nemesis PET.
Posted by: John Chittick | 2010-08-19 11:09:03 AM
As old news goes, it doesn't get staler than this. All this was known at the time. A thoroughly discredited liar like Howard Pawley spouts some self-serving crap about it now, and we're supposed to get worked up? Ah well, whatever turns the crank, I guess. Have a nice lather.
Posted by: ebt | 2010-08-19 12:04:42 PM
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