Cadman motion paralyzes committee

[daleo]

OTTAWA — A parliamentary committee collapsed into chaos yesterday as Conservatives thwarted, at least temporarily, a bid to launch an investigation into what Tory Party officials offered to dying MP Chuck Cadman.

It's the second time in less than a week that the work of a House of Commons committee has ground to a halt over testimony that could prove politically damaging to the minority government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

For the second straight day, Art Hanger, the chairman of the justice committee, walked out of a meeting rather than entertain a Liberal motion that his committee examine the issues surrounding allegations that offers were made to Mr. Cadman in exchange for his vote against a Liberal budget in the spring of 2005.

There are just four Conservative members on the justice committee, plus Mr. Hanger who cannot vote unless there is a tie. So, even though New Democrat MP Joe Comartin was prepared to side with the Conservatives, the four Liberal MPs and two Bloc Québécois MPs would have combined to win the vote.

"I will not take the count," Mr. Hanger said. "I will not let this committee turn into a circus," he added and then walked out.
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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080313.wjustice13/BNStory/National/home
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He should be cited for contempt of Parliament.