Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

3rd Session, 40th Parliament,
Volume 147, Issue 48

Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Foreign Affairs

Status of Omar Khadr

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, my question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

On Monday, Mr. Justice Zinn of the Federal Court of Appeal gave the government one week to come up with a list of remedies for its violation of Omar Khadr’s constitutional rights. Today is Thursday, July 8. The deadline is on Monday, July 12. I am not asking the leader to breach any confidences but, with only four days remaining, is the leader able to advise the house what steps are being taken on behalf of Mr. Khadr? I gave the leader notice of this question so I would appreciate her answer.

Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government): The honourable senator gave me notice, and my answer is the same as it always has been. Omar Khadr is accused of various serious crimes, including the murder of U.S. army medic Sergeant Christopher Speer. Government policy with regard to Mr. Khadr is the same as that of the previous Liberal governments. The government will review the decision of Mr. Justice Zinn of the Federal Court of Appeal. As the honourable senator pointed out, that decision was rendered on Monday, July 5. Currently, the government is reviewing the decision. There is nothing more that I can say.