Black’s ‘free pass’ slammed

O T TAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper denied allegations Wednesday the Conservative government has given “special treatment” to Conrad Black to return to Canada.

But NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair hammered away at the issue in the Commons, insisting that Black is getting favoured treatment “before even getting out of the slammer” because he is ideologically close to the Conservatives.

Harper hotly rejected the claim, insisting that bureaucrats made the decision.

The federal government has granted Black a one-year temporary resident permit. He has said he wants to return to his home in Toronto, which he shares with his wife, Barbara Amiel.

Mulcair said the govern-ment’s handling of Black’s case is the “latest example” of how it puts the interests of its “friends” ahead of others.

He said the government is giving a “free pass” to Black. “Why is he not tough on crime when it comes to his Conservative cronies?” Mulcair asked.