House Panel May Probe Canadian’s Remark to Deaver

WASHINGTON — A Canadian official’s remark to then-presidential aide Michael K. Deaver that the Ottawa government could use a man of his talents is likely to come up today at a House subcommittee hearing.

Canadian Ambassador Allan E. Gotlieb informed Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) in a two-page letter that the unidentified Canadian official’s remark to Deaver in March, 1985, was made in a light-hearted vein and did not constitute a job offer to Deaver, who was hired by Canada in July, 1985.

Gotlieb’s letter said the Canadians regard the remark as having no importance whatsoever, according to Michael F. Barrett Jr., chief counsel to the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations.

Barrett disclosed contents of the letter, which was sent to the subcommittee on Friday.

Today, Dingell’s panel will hear testimony on the Deaver case from the General Accounting Office, the congressional watchdog agency that has been looking into Deaver’s lobbying on behalf of Canada.

GAO officials have referred the case to the Justice Department because they said they have found evidence that Deaver might have violated conflict-of-interest laws.

Deaver, 48, an intimate of President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, was White House deputy chief of staff until his resignation on May 10, 1985. He had announced his intention to leave public office in January, 1985.

Deaver insists he has not done anything wrong, and has agreed to testify before a closed session of Dingell’s committee next Friday.