Dear activists,
October 16, 2006
Please see commentary by Maher Arar that appeared in the Saturday October 14 edition of the Ottawa Citizen.
In it Mr. Arar writes, "I hope that many lessons have been learned from my case. Canadians have invested time, effort and money in this inquiry. Now is the time to make sure this investment pays off, by insisting that the government implements all of Justice O'Connor's recommendations."
The 23 recommendations from Justice Dennis O'Connor's report, which was released one month ago on September 18, can be found at the "Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relations to Maher Arar" website, http://www.ararcommission.ca/eng/AR_English.pdf. A helpful summary of the recommendations can be found on pages 364 to 369 of the report.
In his commentary Mr. Arar notes, "It is important to highlight that the inquiry report does not point the finger at any one person or institution alone. It is also crucial to focus on demanding concrete changes rather than focusing on asking some officials to resign from their jobs. This is because accountability is not about seeking revenge; it is about making our institutions better and a model for the rest of the world. Accountability goes to the heart of our democracy. It is a fundamental pillar that distinguishes our society from police states."
Furthermore he states, "We have heard encouraging statements from Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, indicating he intends to implement the recommendations. It is my hope that he will act immediately."
Chapter activists are encouraged to support Mr. Arar's plea for the Harper government to act immediately and fully implement Justice O'Connor's recommendations by e-mailing Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day at day.s@parl.gc.ca.
In the coming months chapter activists should also be watching for a second report from Justice O'Connor. Mr. Arar writes, "Justice O'Connor will also make further recommendations in a second report before the end of the year. This second report will outline proposals for a new approach to reviewing the RCMP's activities regarding national security investigations. It is my view and my hope, based on testimony at the inquiry, that this should go beyond the RCMP and include at least CSIS and Foreign Affairs."
As a reminder, you can see a video of Maher Arar's speech to the Council of Canadians 2005 Annual General Meeting in Ottawa on our website.
