NDP demands Mulroney probe, threatens no-confidence vote

[daleo]

OTTAWA — The NDP will consider moving an immediate no-confidence motion if Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not keep his commitment to hold a public inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber affair, the party's justice critic says.

The special adviser appointed by Mr. Harper, University of Waterloo president David Johnston, is scheduled to make recommendations tomorrow on the scope of a public inquiry.

NDP justice critic Joe Comartin said if there is no inquiry, the New Democrats will consider triggering an election to send Mr. Harper the message: "You've made a very clear commitment to the country, you've made a very clear commitment to Parliament, so now you no longer have the confidence of Parliament."

He said he does not think that kind of showdown is likely, because he believes Mr. Johnston's mandate does not allow him to recommend that no inquiry be held. "It's more likely that we're going to be caught in a grey area where the terms of reference are very narrow," Mr. Comartin said.
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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080110.wjohnston10/BNStory/National/home
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It is interesting that the NDP is getting this position out ahead of time.