Schreiber refuses to testify before the HOC Ethics Committee

Karlheinz Schreiber appeared before the HOC ethics committee this morning and refused to testify.

From the G&M: I won't testify now: Schreiber

In an opening statement before the Commons ethics committee, Mr. Schreiber said he is “unwilling at this time to testify” until he knows how long the stay on his extradition will be.

“Until the court hearing in Toronto tomorrow [regarding] the length of the stay, I am unwilling at this time to testify,” he said, referring to a motion that will be heard Friday by Ontario's Court of Appeal.

I had a chance to listen to exerpts from his testimony and I could not believe the arrogance of Mr. Schreiber. He would not even answer whether or not he had paid any money to anyone. It is the basis of his allegation that he filed less than a month ago. Surely he could have even admit this by saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’

Ccommittee chair Paul Szabo, also indicated that he will provide Mr. Schreiber with an advance list of questions that the committee intends to ask him. What is he thinking? He clearly is being played here and it does not even look like he realize it.

The opposition members of the HOC are once again allowing themselves to be played. Mr. Schreiber’s interest is not in shedding any light on his business dealings with former Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney. The only interest he has is to remain in Canada and avoid extradition to face fraud and tax-evasion charges. The Conservative government should do us all a favour and extradite Mr. Schreiber back to Germany ASAP.