Although these events occurred under the last government, please rest assured that this government will do everything in its power to ensure that the issues raised by Commissioner O’Connor are addressed.
I trust, having arrived at a negotiated settlement, we have ensured that fair compensation will be paid to you and your family.
I sincerely hope that these words and actions will assist you and your family in your efforts to begin a new and hopeful chapter in your lives.”
As I have said before, we cannot go back and fix the injustice that occurred to Mr. Arar. However, we can make some changes to lessen the likelihood that something like this will ever happen again.
To this end, Canada’s new government has accepted all 23 recommendations made in commissioner O’Connor’s first report;
The government has sent letters to both the Syrian and U.S. governments formally objecting to the treatment of Mr. Arar;
Canada has removed Mr. Arar from Canadian lookout lists; and
We have specifically requested that the United States amend its own records accordingly.
Now I understand that the United States has requested that Canada not push the United States to amend its records for Mr. Arar.
Canada fully understands, appreciates and shares the United States’ concerns about security.
However, this government – the government of Canada – has every right to go to bat for one of its citizens when the government believes a Canadian is being unfairly treated by another country.
That’s why Minister Day has pushed to have Mr. Arar removed from the U.S. watch list.
And to be clear, as Prime Minister, Minister Day has done so with my full support.
Moving forward, the government looks forward to implementing Commissioner O’Connor’s recommendations while ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.
Thank you.
From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)
Note: http://www.pm.gc.ca/
PRIME MINISTER RELEASES LETTER OF APOLOGY TO MAHER ARAR
Posted on Saturday, January 27 at 12:21 by jensonjContributed By
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How about tossing the criminals resposible for Arar's terrible ordeal in prison?
"I trust, having arrived at a negotiated settlement, we have ensured that fair compensation will be paid to you and your family."
Yes, but you are using innocent peoples money for pay off Arar thus creating even more victims of this crime. I feel bad for Arar, but it does not make me feel good to be forced into paying for someone elses crime! I too demand compensation!
"As I have said before, we cannot go back and fix the injustice that occurred to Mr. Arar. However, we can make some changes to lessen the likelihood that something like this will ever happen again."
How about respecting the fundamental concept of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law? How about calling off your spooks that are spying on innocent Canadians without a valid court order? How about tearing up all of those secret lists like the ones Arar's name ended up on?
"The government has sent letters to both the Syrian and U.S. governments formally objecting to the treatment of Mr. Arar;"
Oooh, that'll learn 'em good. What about demanding justice in front of an international court?
"Canada has removed Mr. Arar from Canadian lookout lists;"
Yeah, but you won't tear up those "lookout lists" which means that Canadians can still be found guilty until proven innocent in this country, therefore nothing has changed and it's business as usual with more Arar's waiting in line. I suppose the only change will be with ensuring that the next Arar won't ever come to light.
"Canada fully understands, appreciates and shares the United States’ concerns about security."
Now that's an understatement.
Sieg Heil!
Even Arar has no sanction once the public eye leaves him.
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Expect little from life and get more from it.
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"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
-Max Planck
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Perception is two thirds of what we perceive reality to be.
Difficult decisions are a privilege of rank.
Rico AB.