OTTAWA - An Ontario MP has renewed his call for the Governor General to remove Conrad Black from the Order of Canada.
Black lost an appeal of his fraud and obstruction of justice convictions Wednesday and will have to serve out his sentence in a Florida prison.
In light of the decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeal in Chicago, it's time for Black to lose the honour, says New Democrat Charlie Angus.
"He's not a citizen of Canada, and he's lost his appeal, so I think they should move quickly, and have this dealt with," Angus said in an interview.
In a letter to the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, Angus said he's concerned about the effect on Canada's highest honour of Black remaining a member of the order.
"I remain deeply concerned that Mr. Black continuing to hold our country's highest civilian honour undermines its integrity and greatness," said Angus.
Black is serving a 6 1/2-year sentence in a Florida prison after being convicted last year on the three counts of fraud and one of obstruction of justice.
A three-judge panel rejected Black's argument that he and other convicted executives were entitled to so-called non-compete fees.
Nearly a year ago, Angus initially requested that Black be removed from the order following his convictions in the United States.
The Chancellery of Honours has a policy that considers terminating appointments to the Order of Canada if that person "has been convicted of a criminal offence."
