Rob Oliphant, MP condemns Conservative inaction on repatriation of Omar Khadr

For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010

TORONTO -   In a statement, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, repeated his call for the repatriation of Omar Khadr to Canada.  “As a Canadian citizen, he deserves fair, transparent and just treatment before a legitimate court of law. The Supreme Court of Canada has now agreed that the Canadian government has violated his rights as a Canadian Citizen.”  Oliphant said

“While I am hopeful that Mr. Harper does the right thing, and brings Omar Khadr home, I equally understand that if he does not it will further expose the flagrant and continued disregard for our Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” Oliphant said. “This only further exposes this Government’s refusal to protect Canadians abroad,” he continued.

Many in the community are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not order the Government of Canada to repatriate Mr. Khadr immediately.

“I stand behind the ruling made by the Supreme Court of Canada,” Mr. Oliphant stated. “This places the decision squarely on the shoulders of Stephen Harper.  I only hope that its serves as a reminder that this Government has an obligation and responsibility to ensure the protection of human rights.”

“The Prime Minister must request Mr. Khadr’s return to Canada to ensure his rights as a Canadian citizen are upheld,” Oliphant concluded.

On this issue, Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Party Leader and Leader of the Official Opposition, has been unequivocal.  “It is incumbent on the Conservative government to ensure that as a citizen of Canada, Mr. Khadr is swiftly repatriated to Canada, where his case can be brought forward in a fair and impartial system that will respect his rights. Our party’s position is long-standing and clear: the government must ensure Mr. Khadr’s rights as a Canadian citizen”.

Rob Oliphant has repeatedly called for the repatriation of Mr. Khadr as a matter of both human rights and international law. He is committed to continuing to press the Conservative government to bring Omar Khadr home.

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Contact:
Mahzar Shafiq
Office of Rob Oliphant, MP
416-467-7275