The NDP has put in an official request to take away Canada's highest civilian honour from Conrad Black, the former head of Hollinger Inc., reasoning Black's convictions for three counts of fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in Chicago on July 13 undermine the integrity of the award.
The original citation for the award praises Black's charity work and achievement in the arts. It states the Montreal-born Black's various business ventures "have enhanced Canada's visible presence internationally."
In another development Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday there would be no political interference from his government if Black wanted to return to Canada before his sentencing. Harper said Black must use normal channels if he wants to return to Canada, should he be released on bail.
Black will find out Thursday whether his bail will be extended until his sentencing in November, or whether he'll have to spend that time behind bars.
The former financier and newspaper baron renounced his Canadian citizenship in order to enter the British House of Lords after a dispute with then prime minister Jean Chrétien.
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The original citation for the award praises Black's charity work and achievement in the arts. It states the Montreal-born Black's various business ventures "have enhanced Canada's visible presence internationally."
In another development Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday there would be no political interference from his government if Black wanted to return to Canada before his sentencing. Harper said Black must use normal channels if he wants to return to Canada, should he be released on bail.
Black will find out Thursday whether his bail will be extended until his sentencing in November, or whether he'll have to spend that time behind bars.
The former financier and newspaper baron renounced his Canadian citizenship in order to enter the British House of Lords after a dispute with then prime minister Jean Chrétien.
Full story
See also
Do you agree that Conrad Black should be stripped of this honour?
More...