The widely held view that the Meech Lake accord would have passed the Manitoba Legislature were it not for Elijah Harper is a myth, a pair of former political figures say.
Len Evans, a former NDP member of the legislature, says he, too, was determined to withhold consent to debate the constitutional accord. But he agreed to back off at the request of Ovide Mercredi, then the vice-chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Mr. Mercredi, now chief of Grand Rapids First Nation, confirmed Mr. Evans's information.
Mr. Evans said he believes at least two other NDP members were prepared to refuse unanimous consent and backed off in deference to Mr. Harper. CP