Evidence of meeting #18 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was schreiber.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Elmer MacKay  As an Individual
Karlheinz Schreiber  As an Individual

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

No, it came from Frank Moores. When I went to him, as I told you, and told him about a request from Fred Doucet, he thought we didn't need Fred Doucet.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Yes.

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

When he spoke about Geneva, that was the territory of Bruce Verchere. I dealt with him all the time, though we didn't need--

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Is it your understanding that Bruce Verchere was somehow going to get Brian Mulroney's share and hold it for him? Is that what you're telling me?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

I don't know. There was so much money sent. There was money that was officially dealt with, and then there was about $5 million that was sitting there from the Canadian side that went to a numbered account, so what do I know? Mr. Verchere was with the same Swiss bank, as a member of the board.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

What was Mr. Verchere's relationship to Brian Mulroney?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

I knew only that he was his chartered accountant, lawyer, or something. At least that was what Frank Moores told me. But I knew from Frank that Verchere was looking after the interests of Brian Mulroney.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

That was what Frank Moores told you--that Verchere was looking after Brian Mulroney?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

Yes. And he said that he--Frank Moores--was dealing with Verchere. I told you the story: that when the whole thing was over, Mulroney would work with GCI. That's what it was all about.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Verchere unfortunately committed suicide and can't help us with--

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

Yes. That was one day after I met with Mr. Mulroney in Mirabel.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

We need to know the whole story. Everyone is asking you if there's anything else you haven't told us. Some of us believe that the Government of Canada or the Department of Justice should cut a deal with you and let you stay in Canada if you finally tell us everything you know.

Has the RCMP or the Department of Justice come to you with such an offer? Is such a negotiation under way currently?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

No. And I want you to know, Mr. Martin and every Canadian who is listening--especially you--I am very grateful to this committee, because without you I would have been out of the country.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Then why do you ration your information to us in these little kernels? It's like pulling teeth trying to get the story out of you, Mr. Schreiber.

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

Sir, there are certain points. You said it yourself--what this committee can do or cannot do. Everybody here from the lawyers will agree with me. Everybody knows that an inquiry is a different ball game, and I asked for it.

But I'll tell you what I wanted--

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

We shouldn't have to fight for information like we are, Mr. Schreiber. You are rationing out information to us in tidbits, just enough to keep our appetites whetted. That's what I believe.

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

No. I didn't even ask you for something else. I wanted an inquiry and I've asked for one for years, or I wanted to have it in a courtroom. I wanted to have the right under the treaty with Germany--what the Germans have. The treaty says the parties are not obliged or bound to extradite a national, so why do they want me out of the country?

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

I don't disagree with you, Mr. Schreiber.

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

Why don't they prosecute me here? That would be wonderful.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

I don't disagree with you, but why don't you tell us more stuff?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

Oh, I'm prepared to do that.

5:20 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

When?

5:20 p.m.

As an Individual

Karlheinz Schreiber

When the inquiry is on.

5:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Paul Szabo

I need to move now to Mr. Murphy, please.

5:20 p.m.

Liberal

Brian Murphy Liberal Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB

Mr. Schreiber, you and I have never talked by phone or had any meals of any sort together. Is that correct?