Meech Lake

Friday September 7, 2007

September 7, 2007

Former prime minister Brian Mulroney directly and bitterly blames Pierre Trudeau for his greatest political defeat: the failure of the Meech Lake Accord that recognized Quebec as a distinct society.

In a CTV documentary to be broadcast Sunday — and in his soon-to-be-released memoirs — Mulroney recounts how Trudeau used a personal vendetta to turn the public against an Accord that was supported almost entirely by the political class.

“(Trudeau) called me a weakling, he called us cowards, he called the premiers snivelers,” Mulroney told Lloyd Robertson, CTV’s chief news anchor and senior news editor.

The Meech Lake Accord was a set of failed Constitutional amendments hammered out by Mulroney and the 10 premiers, including Quebec’s Robert Bourassa, in 1987. The Accord was designed to persuade Quebec to endorse the Canada Act.

Mulroney had hoped to upstage Trudeau, who had failed to persuade Quebec to sign onto the 1981 Constitution after months of debate with the premiers. And it was clear in the interview that the failure of the Accord still troubles Mulroney deeply after 14 years out of office. (Source: CTV News)  Original posting.

 *  *  *  *  *

In the days following former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s death on February 29, 2024, reflections on his legacy resurface. My editorial cartoon from September 7, 2007, depicting Mulroney debating at the crypt of his predecessor, Pierre Trudeau, becomes emblematic of the complexities within Canadian politics. At the heart of my commentary is an attempt to articulate the old saying, “why bring so-and- so into the debate when so-and-so isn’t around to defend himself.”

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024 Reflecting on Brian Mulroney's passing, a celestial scene contrasts with a contemporary tableau of present federal leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, highlighting the disagreeable nature of today's political discourse and its evolution.

March 2, 2024

Mulroney’s posthumously published memoirs shed light on his bitter defeat – the failure of the Meech Lake Accord. He accuses Trudeau of orchestrating a personal vendetta, tarnishing public perception and ultimately leading to the Accord’s demise in 1990.

The hypothetical notion of a face-to-face conversation between the two on constitutional matters remains unexplored in historical records, leaving room for speculation. Mulroney’s memoirs serve as a posthumous attempt to shape his legacy, offering insights into the intricacies of his decisions.

..and for the record, yes, I bought book. Got it signed too! October 12, 2007

Beyond the Meech Lake Accord, Mulroney’s allegations against Trudeau extend to scrutinizing his past, including Trudeau’s decision not to fight in World War II. These accusations mirror past criticisms of Trudeau’s wartime activities.

As Canadians mourn Mulroney’s passing, his memoirs and the echoes of past debates with Trudeau will undoubtedly be scrutinized by historians, leaving a legacy that transcends individual victories and defeats in Canadian political history. (Graeme MacKay, March 2, 2024) The following interview is a companion piece the CTV article above.


 

Saturday April 22, 2005

The April 2005 editorial cartoon contrasts the poised leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, and Jean Chrétien during genuine national crises with Paul Martin, portrayed in a clown costume, as he grapples with the Liberal Party Sponsorship Scandal, highlighting a shift from statesmanship to a political circus.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 22, 2005

Martin Promises Early Election Over Scandal

Prime Minister Paul Martin, grappling with the Liberal government’s worst crisis in a decade, promised on Thursday to call an election early next year once a probe into a cash-for-favour scandal is over.

But opposition parties, who seem likely to topple the minority government next month and trigger a June 27 election, reacted coolly to Martin’s offer and questioned how long they could continue propping him up.

The inquiry is to issue its final report in mid-December and Martin promised in a rare national televised address to call an election within 30 days of its release.

The commission has heard startling allegations that Liberals in Quebec demanded big kickbacks in return for lucrative government contracts.

“I commit to you tonight that I will call a general election within 30 days of the publication of the commission’s final report and recommendations,” Martin told Canadians, acknowledging he could pay a price for having set up the probe in February 2004.

The official opposition Conservatives, who only last month kept the Liberals in power by not opposing their budget, said the ruling party was now “tarnished beyond redemption.”

“I have some difficulty with a prime minister under a cloud picking his own election date,” Conservative leader Stephen Harper told reporters, but said he had not taken a final decision on whether to try to bring down the government. (CP)

*** Crisis and  Circus ***

The April 2005 editorial cartoon sketches a revealing snapshot of Canadian Prime Ministers grappling with crises. Pierre Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, and Jean Chrétien faced challenges with seriousness and poise, while Paul Martin in his televised address, presided over a Liberal Party Sponsorship Scandal resembling a circus.

Trudeau confronted the October Crisis in 1970, displaying stoic resolve during a turbulent time. Mulroney navigated the Meech Lake Constitutional Crisis in 1990, portraying a leader facing complexities with determination. Chrétien’s composed figure in 1995 represented unity during the Quebec Referendum Crisis.

In stark contrast, Paul Martin is depicted in a clown costume, steering the Liberal Party Sponsorship Scandal. The accompanying news article details Martin’s promise to call an election after an inquiry, but skepticism arises from opposition leaders, questioning the sincerity of his commitment.

While Trudeau, Mulroney, and Chrétien addressed crises with statesmanship, Martin’s tenure is marked by a desperate attempt at self-preservation amid corruption allegations. The cartoon captures a shift from genuine crises to a political circus, with Martin as an uneasy ringmaster. The contrast underscores a moment when leadership seemed more focused on survival than addressing the nation’s needs. (Graeme MacKay – March 3, 2024)