Jean Chrétien

The federal sponsorship programme introduced after Quebec's referendum gave rise to widespread abuses, questionable payments and investigations. Justice John Gomery attributed some responsibility to Chrétien for supervisory shortcomings, while stating that there was no evidence Chrétien knew about bribes or unlawful payments.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

A subsequent parliamentary report noted that Chrétien had prorogued Parliament in 2002 as details of what became the sponsorship scandal were emerging, preventing a Public Accounts Committee report from being tabled at the time. Another prorogation in 2003 delayed the tabling of an Auditor General's report until after his departure.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Chrétien announced that Canada would not participate in the American and British invasion of Iraq without a new UN Security Council resolution authorising military action. The decision provoked fierce confrontation with the opposition and concerns over relations with Washington.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The firearms registration programme launched under the Chrétien government experienced a dramatic increase in projected costs. In 2002, the Auditor General estimated that total expenditure could approach one billion dollars, far above initial estimates.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

Chrétien acknowledged approaching the Business Development Bank of Canada about a loan to the Auberge Grand-Mère, an establishment near a golf club in which he had held shares. Opposition politicians argued that a residual financial interest could create a conflict of interest.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following the 11 September attacks, the Chrétien government introduced Bill C-36, significantly strengthening counterterrorism powers. Rights organisations, including Arab and Muslim groups, criticised detention powers, potential infringements of the right to silence and the risk of profiling.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

An internal audit at Human Resources Development Canada revealed major shortcomings in the management and documentation of grants and contributions, triggering the so-called 'billion-dollar boondoggle' controversy. The opposition accused the Chrétien government of mismanagement and favouritism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

The Chrétien government passed the Clarity Act, giving the House of Commons a role in determining the clarity of a referendum question and the majority required for a proposed secession by Quebec. The legislation was extremely controversial in Quebec and condemned by sovereignists as federal interference.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During the APEC summit in Vancouver, the RCMP used pepper spray and other measures against protesters. The controversy concerned security arrangements for foreign leaders, the Prime Minister's Office's role and protesters' rights. Chrétien aggravated the public outcry by joking about pepper.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The Chrétien government imposed an end date on the Commission of Inquiry into the deployment of Canadian forces to Somalia. Commission chairman Justice Gilles Létourneau said the inquiry was being interrupted at a sensitive stage and alleged political interference preventing full examination of the chain of command and a possible cover-up.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During the 1993 campaign, Chrétien and the Liberals promised to replace or abolish the highly unpopular Goods and Services Tax (GST). Once in office, the government ultimately retained the tax, harmonised with provincial taxes in several provinces, prompting strong accusations of a broken promise.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During a flag ceremony in Hull, Chrétien grabbed protester Bill Clennett by the neck or face and pushed him back towards police officers. The incident, nicknamed the 'Shawinigan Handshake', became an enduring image of his political style. An assault charge was subsequently laid by a third party.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome