Stockwell Day is in Saudi Arabia hoping to persuade Saudi authorities to revoke the beheading sentence imposed on a Canadian citizen. In the case of another Canadian in the U.S. the Conservative government would not even pick up the phone to ask for leniency.
While Stockwell Day is pleading on behalf of a convicted murderer in Saudi Arabia government lawyers were in court trying to prevent Omar Khadr's lawyers from obtaining information that might help in his defence. While France, as well as Canadian lawyers, have spoken up in Khadr's defence the government has been wholly silent.
The article on the Saudi Arabia case is at CBC. I support Day's attempt to have the Saudi conviction overturned but the Conservative government should also have requested clemency in the case of the Canadian convicted in Montana and sentenced to death. In the Khadr case, Canada is in effect an international pariah. Every other western country has intervened on behalf of any of its nationals imprisoned at Guantanamo. Added to this is the fact that Khadr was still a child when imprisoned.
Showing posts with label Stockwell Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stockwell Day. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Canadians Stand with You (The U.S. and U.K.)
This is from FreeRepublic but I got the link from the Gallopingbeaver. This is ancient history of course but it shows that neither Day nor Harper had the slightest reservations about the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Never mind that no country has the right to invade and occupy another country to disarm it and overthrow the government. Never mind that there was no time of need since neither the US nor UK were seriously threatened. Never mind that the invasion and occupation might have something to do with securing oil and energy supplies and helping out Brit and US oil companies. Trot out the old cliches and lead the whole rotten bunch of imperialists. Of course it is not the old cliches: The White Man's Burden. We have new but already tired cliches:
freedom, democracy, civilization itself. No doubt these are the same Canadian values that we are fighting for in Afghanistan but of course they translate into Sharia law, massive production of opium, and the death penalty for Muslims who convert to Christianity, and the banishment from parliament of a female legislator who criticised her colleagues and rightfully pointed out that there were warlords in the government.
At least Harper and Day can be happy that we are standing by the UN and the UK in Afghanistan and also with the "reformed" Taliban mullahs, Karzai, and the "former" warlords whose human rights record outrivals any outrages of the Taliban. Now we are having this politely framed debate about our mission. Remember it is not to be called a crusade even against Islamo-fascism..our newest boo-word. In the debate no one will bring up the fact the original Afghan invasion as the Iraq invasion was not sanctioned by the UN. The debate will point out that we are there by invitation of the Karzai govt. and under UN auspices. This is exactly parallel to the Iraq situation!
No doubt the Canadians stood side by side with the US while Pinochet overthrew the elected govt. of Allende, and amiably watched while Somoza ran Nicaragua or Papa Doc Haiti. Did Harper and Day complain that the Canadians did not lead the pack in invading Thailand when the generals took over recently. Are we urging the US to invade Burma? The reactionary regimes of our Arab Allies such as Saudi Arabia?
Canadians Stand With You
By STEPHEN HARPER and STOCKWELL DAY
Today, the world is at war. A coalition of countries under the leadership of the U.K. and the U.S. is leading a military intervention to disarm Saddam Hussein. Yet Prime Minister Jean Chretien has left Canada outside this multilateral coalition of nations.
This is a serious mistake. For the first time in history, the Canadian government has not stood beside its key British and American allies in their time of need. The Canadian Alliance -- the official opposition in parliament -- supports the American and British position because we share their concerns, their worries about the future if Iraq is left unattended to, and their fundamental vision of civilization and human values. Disarming Iraq is necessary for the long-term security of the world, and for the collective interests of our key historic allies and therefore manifestly in the national interest of Canada. Make no mistake, as our allies work to end the reign of Saddam and the brutality and aggression that are the foundations of his regime, Canada's largest opposition party, the Canadian Alliance will not be neutral. In our hearts and minds, we will be with our allies and friends. And Canadians will be overwhelmingly with us.
But we will not be with the Canadian government.
Modern Canada was forged in large part by war -- not because it was easy but because it was right. In the great wars of the last century -- against authoritarianism, fascism, and communism -- Canada did not merely stand with the Americans, more often than not we led the way. We did so for freedom, for democracy, for civilization itself.
freedom, democracy, civilization itself. No doubt these are the same Canadian values that we are fighting for in Afghanistan but of course they translate into Sharia law, massive production of opium, and the death penalty for Muslims who convert to Christianity, and the banishment from parliament of a female legislator who criticised her colleagues and rightfully pointed out that there were warlords in the government.
At least Harper and Day can be happy that we are standing by the UN and the UK in Afghanistan and also with the "reformed" Taliban mullahs, Karzai, and the "former" warlords whose human rights record outrivals any outrages of the Taliban. Now we are having this politely framed debate about our mission. Remember it is not to be called a crusade even against Islamo-fascism..our newest boo-word. In the debate no one will bring up the fact the original Afghan invasion as the Iraq invasion was not sanctioned by the UN. The debate will point out that we are there by invitation of the Karzai govt. and under UN auspices. This is exactly parallel to the Iraq situation!
No doubt the Canadians stood side by side with the US while Pinochet overthrew the elected govt. of Allende, and amiably watched while Somoza ran Nicaragua or Papa Doc Haiti. Did Harper and Day complain that the Canadians did not lead the pack in invading Thailand when the generals took over recently. Are we urging the US to invade Burma? The reactionary regimes of our Arab Allies such as Saudi Arabia?
Canadians Stand With You
By STEPHEN HARPER and STOCKWELL DAY
Today, the world is at war. A coalition of countries under the leadership of the U.K. and the U.S. is leading a military intervention to disarm Saddam Hussein. Yet Prime Minister Jean Chretien has left Canada outside this multilateral coalition of nations.
This is a serious mistake. For the first time in history, the Canadian government has not stood beside its key British and American allies in their time of need. The Canadian Alliance -- the official opposition in parliament -- supports the American and British position because we share their concerns, their worries about the future if Iraq is left unattended to, and their fundamental vision of civilization and human values. Disarming Iraq is necessary for the long-term security of the world, and for the collective interests of our key historic allies and therefore manifestly in the national interest of Canada. Make no mistake, as our allies work to end the reign of Saddam and the brutality and aggression that are the foundations of his regime, Canada's largest opposition party, the Canadian Alliance will not be neutral. In our hearts and minds, we will be with our allies and friends. And Canadians will be overwhelmingly with us.
But we will not be with the Canadian government.
Modern Canada was forged in large part by war -- not because it was easy but because it was right. In the great wars of the last century -- against authoritarianism, fascism, and communism -- Canada did not merely stand with the Americans, more often than not we led the way. We did so for freedom, for democracy, for civilization itself.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Save outrage for drunk drivers: Day
Outrage for drunk drivers is safe political ground even though MADD has been caught out paying like drunken spenders for fundraisers. The comparison shows the lack of training in elementary logic on the part of Day. I wonder how the RCMP likes being compared to drunk drivers? There really does not seem to be much basis for the comparison and in any even surely we do not have a limited supply of outrage. We should be able to summon up enough outrage for both if we just try a bit harder!
I could add my own irrelevancy: We have long waiting lists for operations and an infrastructure in dire need of repair while we spend billions on an illegal campaign in Afghanistan helping out the hegemon USA. Where is the outrage?
Save outrage for drunk drivers: Day
`Where's the shock and horror' for road crime, asks minister of public safety after Taser death in B.C.
Nov 19, 2007 04:30 AM
KELOWNA, B.C.–Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says he wishes Canadians were as outraged over impaired driving deaths as they are over the death of a Polish immigrant shot with a Taser by police.
Worldwide condemnation has been heaped upon Canadian authorities after a video was released showing RCMP officers using a stun gun on Robert Dziekanski only 30 seconds after encountering him at the Vancouver airport last month. The 40-year-old man died shortly after.
Day has refused to comment about the Vancouver incident, saying he wanted to wait until various investigations and reviews are complete, including one he ordered four days after the death.
The minister told a crowd in the B.C. Interior on Saturday that Dziekanski's death was "tragic."
"Quite rightly, the whole nation is aghast.... One person was killed who didn't have to be killed," said Day, MP for Okanagan-Coquihalla.
But he says drunk-driving accidents also claim the lives of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and other loved ones, "and where's the shock and horror?"
The Tories introduced new legislation last month that would see harsher fines and sentences for impaired drivers and give police more powers for roadside testing.
This weekend, Gary Bass, RCMP deputy commissioner for the Pacific region, said in a statement he had invited Ontario Provincial Police to conduct an external and independent review of the investigation into the Vancouver Taser incident.
The RCMP announced the officers involved in the incident have been reassigned to other duties pending the outcome of the probe.
RCMP Commissioner William Elliot also said in a statement this weekend that the force still supports the use of Tasers but agrees further research is needed into its impact on people suffering from a medical condition known as excited delirium.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I could add my own irrelevancy: We have long waiting lists for operations and an infrastructure in dire need of repair while we spend billions on an illegal campaign in Afghanistan helping out the hegemon USA. Where is the outrage?
Save outrage for drunk drivers: Day
`Where's the shock and horror' for road crime, asks minister of public safety after Taser death in B.C.
Nov 19, 2007 04:30 AM
KELOWNA, B.C.–Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says he wishes Canadians were as outraged over impaired driving deaths as they are over the death of a Polish immigrant shot with a Taser by police.
Worldwide condemnation has been heaped upon Canadian authorities after a video was released showing RCMP officers using a stun gun on Robert Dziekanski only 30 seconds after encountering him at the Vancouver airport last month. The 40-year-old man died shortly after.
Day has refused to comment about the Vancouver incident, saying he wanted to wait until various investigations and reviews are complete, including one he ordered four days after the death.
The minister told a crowd in the B.C. Interior on Saturday that Dziekanski's death was "tragic."
"Quite rightly, the whole nation is aghast.... One person was killed who didn't have to be killed," said Day, MP for Okanagan-Coquihalla.
But he says drunk-driving accidents also claim the lives of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and other loved ones, "and where's the shock and horror?"
The Tories introduced new legislation last month that would see harsher fines and sentences for impaired drivers and give police more powers for roadside testing.
This weekend, Gary Bass, RCMP deputy commissioner for the Pacific region, said in a statement he had invited Ontario Provincial Police to conduct an external and independent review of the investigation into the Vancouver Taser incident.
The RCMP announced the officers involved in the incident have been reassigned to other duties pending the outcome of the probe.
RCMP Commissioner William Elliot also said in a statement this weekend that the force still supports the use of Tasers but agrees further research is needed into its impact on people suffering from a medical condition known as excited delirium.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Day does something right!
Day deserves credit for speaking out and setting forth a clear position on the issue.
Day firm on police warrants for access to internet user data
Last Updated: Friday, September 14, 2007 | 10:37 AM ET
CBC News
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said the government would not introduce legislation forcing internet service providers to give customer information without a warrant.
"We have not and we will not be proposing legislation to grant police the power to get information from internet companies without a warrant. That's never been a proposal," Day told the Ottawa Citizen late Thursday.
Stockwell Day, the federal public safety minister, addresses a crime prevention conference in Halifax on Friday, June 8, 2007.
(Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press) "It may make some investigations more difficult, but our expectation is rights to our privacy are such that we do not plan, nor will we have in place, something that would allow the police to get that information."
Day's announcement comes after CBCNews.ca and other news organizations obtained copies of a consultation document from Public Safety Canada and Industry Canada that was looking into ways law enforcement and national security agencies could gain lawful access to personal information from ISPs.
Personal information would include names, addresses, land and cellphone numbers, as well as additional mobile phone identification, such as a device serial number and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card number.
The consultation, which was distributed to only a limited number of stakeholders, called for submissions by Sept. 25.
Continue Article
Privacy advocates, however, expressed displeasure over both the content and the process of the consultation.
In response to the outcry, Public Safety Canada extended the deadline for submissions to Oct. 12 and posted the consultation document on its website.
Day told the Citizen that the original document sent to a select group of stakeholders "never would have gone out if I had seen it" and that it "somehow went out without my approval."
Mélisa Leclerc, a spokeswoman for Day, told CBC News that the minister's objections with the document weren't with its contents, but rather its wording, and that had he had a chance to look at it they might have included language making clear that searches without warrants would not be pursued.
"The wording led some to believe the consultation was biased and so we wanted to be clear that we are looking at all possible approaches," Leclerc said.
The document Public Safety Canada posted on Thursday is virtually identical in language to the original document leaked to the media, save for the change in submission deadline date. Leclerc said the document was left untouched to avoid confusion among those stakeholders who had already received one.
Investigators having difficulties
The document says that under current processes, enforcement agencies have been experiencing difficulties in gaining the information from telecommunications service providers, with some demanding a court-issued warrant before turning over the data.
"If the custodian of the information is not co-operative when a request for such information is made, law enforcement agencies may have no means to compel the production of information pertaining to the customer," the document says.
"This poses a problem in some contexts."
It says enforcement agencies may need the information for matters other than probes, such as informing next-of-kin about emergency situations, or because they are at the early stages of an investigation.
"The availability of such building-block information is often the difference between the start and finish of an investigation," according to the document.
Leclerc said the purpose of the consultation is to deal with this issue without allowing for access to personal information without a warrant.
"We are trying to improve the process and achieve a balance between public safety and respect for privacy," she said. "We're looking for how to do this, and if there are other ways we want to hear what they are."
Writing in his legal blog, Michael Geist, chair of internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa, said Day's statement was "welcome news and represents a remarkable change from earlier this week."
Some security experts, however, remain in favour of giving enforcement officials more flexibility in accessing personal information.
Michael Murphy, Canadian vice-president and general manager of Symantec, said the time necessary to obtain a warrant often comes into conflict with the nature of internet crime, which can happen and spread quickly.
"It might work in the gumshoe days, but things are different now," said Murphy, who is consulting the government on the issue.
Day firm on police warrants for access to internet user data
Last Updated: Friday, September 14, 2007 | 10:37 AM ET
CBC News
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said the government would not introduce legislation forcing internet service providers to give customer information without a warrant.
"We have not and we will not be proposing legislation to grant police the power to get information from internet companies without a warrant. That's never been a proposal," Day told the Ottawa Citizen late Thursday.
Stockwell Day, the federal public safety minister, addresses a crime prevention conference in Halifax on Friday, June 8, 2007.
(Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press) "It may make some investigations more difficult, but our expectation is rights to our privacy are such that we do not plan, nor will we have in place, something that would allow the police to get that information."
Day's announcement comes after CBCNews.ca and other news organizations obtained copies of a consultation document from Public Safety Canada and Industry Canada that was looking into ways law enforcement and national security agencies could gain lawful access to personal information from ISPs.
Personal information would include names, addresses, land and cellphone numbers, as well as additional mobile phone identification, such as a device serial number and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card number.
The consultation, which was distributed to only a limited number of stakeholders, called for submissions by Sept. 25.
Continue Article
Privacy advocates, however, expressed displeasure over both the content and the process of the consultation.
In response to the outcry, Public Safety Canada extended the deadline for submissions to Oct. 12 and posted the consultation document on its website.
Day told the Citizen that the original document sent to a select group of stakeholders "never would have gone out if I had seen it" and that it "somehow went out without my approval."
Mélisa Leclerc, a spokeswoman for Day, told CBC News that the minister's objections with the document weren't with its contents, but rather its wording, and that had he had a chance to look at it they might have included language making clear that searches without warrants would not be pursued.
"The wording led some to believe the consultation was biased and so we wanted to be clear that we are looking at all possible approaches," Leclerc said.
The document Public Safety Canada posted on Thursday is virtually identical in language to the original document leaked to the media, save for the change in submission deadline date. Leclerc said the document was left untouched to avoid confusion among those stakeholders who had already received one.
Investigators having difficulties
The document says that under current processes, enforcement agencies have been experiencing difficulties in gaining the information from telecommunications service providers, with some demanding a court-issued warrant before turning over the data.
"If the custodian of the information is not co-operative when a request for such information is made, law enforcement agencies may have no means to compel the production of information pertaining to the customer," the document says.
"This poses a problem in some contexts."
It says enforcement agencies may need the information for matters other than probes, such as informing next-of-kin about emergency situations, or because they are at the early stages of an investigation.
"The availability of such building-block information is often the difference between the start and finish of an investigation," according to the document.
Leclerc said the purpose of the consultation is to deal with this issue without allowing for access to personal information without a warrant.
"We are trying to improve the process and achieve a balance between public safety and respect for privacy," she said. "We're looking for how to do this, and if there are other ways we want to hear what they are."
Writing in his legal blog, Michael Geist, chair of internet and e-commerce law at the University of Ottawa, said Day's statement was "welcome news and represents a remarkable change from earlier this week."
Some security experts, however, remain in favour of giving enforcement officials more flexibility in accessing personal information.
Michael Murphy, Canadian vice-president and general manager of Symantec, said the time necessary to obtain a warrant often comes into conflict with the nature of internet crime, which can happen and spread quickly.
"It might work in the gumshoe days, but things are different now," said Murphy, who is consulting the government on the issue.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Day and the RCMP scandals
Wow! If I were Day I would be a bit paranoid about the media after reading articles like this. I think maybe Day has caused our rainy weather out here too and the tornadoes that touched down near Winnipeg! Of course Day must bear some responsibility for the mess in the RCMP but it is successive governments not just the Tories or Day who have not cleaned things up. Maybe I have low expectations of Day! Day did after all refuse to tag along with the US when it came to agreeing that Arar should be on the US no fly list. He even said that the secret evidence he saw did not change his mind clearly implying that there was nothing of significance that the US had on Arar. Surely Day deserves some credit for his stand on Arar.
Having said on this it certainly would be a better idea to have a full inquiry into the RCMP than to follow the Day policy.
POLITICS AND POLICE
TheStar.com - comment - Day the one inescapable constant in RCMP mess
Day the one inescapable constant in RCMP mess
Jun 21, 2007 04:30 AM
Andrew Mitrovica
Stockwell Day is a fortunate man. He has so far escaped being held to even a semblance of account over a cascading series of scandals that have debilitated this nation's federal police force. The outrages are fuelled by deceit, incompetence and rot deep inside the RCMP.
Here is a synopsis of the force's recent travails:
A damning verdict by Ontario's former associate chief justice detailed the central and disastrous role the RCMP played in Maher Arar's illegal deportation and torture.
Charges from within the force's ranks pointed to corruption, cronyism and cover-up by top Mounties in connection to millions of dollars in an employee pension fund.
A disgraced commissioner resigned after offering contradictory accounts of his role in the Arar affair and a deputy commissioner was suspended after allegations of perjury before a parliamentary committee.
And now a report that lays bare the dictatorial character of the RCMP's most senior officers and their petty, vindictive response to internal dissent.
It is a portrait of a police force nearing implosion. The RCMP's dysfunctional state is an indictment of a government that routinely warns us that we are vulnerable to attacks from amorphous enemies at home and abroad. The implications of this disaster for Canadians' safety and security are incalculable. The one inescapable constant throughout this mess has been Day.
But the only thing Canada's public safety minister seems to be busy safeguarding these days is his refurbished reputation with much of the Ottawa press corps. If you are inclined to believe Day's recent press clippings, you would likely surmise that the minister is a quietly competent action man who is determined to rapidly right the sinking ship called the RCMP.
Day promoted this disingenuous image by commissioning David Brown, the former head of the notoriously limp Ontario Securities Commission, to produce a report containing a conclusion that anyone with a functioning pair of eyes and even a mild interest in our national security infrastructure knew long ago – the RCMP is dangerously adrift.
In the aftermath of Brown's headline grabbing finding that the RCMP is "broken," the minister has, once again, apparently seized the day. He has opted to strike a task force of eminent persons, rather than a full-fledged public inquiry, to determine how best to repair the RCMP because, Day says, "we've got to take action now."
This Pablum masquerading as "action" is, of course, classic crisis management. Day and his advisers have plucked the ready and predictable tricks from their public relations grab bag to get out "in front" of a damaging story.
They have constructed an exculpatory narrative of a minister who is in command, marshalling the resources of his department and government to quickly rehabilitate the RCMP's tarnished reputation in a belated effort to reassure you and me.
For the most part, the media have parroted the story line tailored by Day and company. He has, as a result, avoided uncomfortable questions concerning his whereabouts while the RCMP has been disintegrating so publicly.
There are other questions that demand answers. Why did Day turn to a Bay Street investigator to do his job? Isn't it the public safety minister's responsibility to probe the causes of the malignancy inside the RCMP? Why is the impatient minister content to wait until the end of the year, when the task force is expected to issue its findings, before overhauling the RCMP?
It is has been quite a metamorphosis for the former leader of the now deceased Canadian Alliance. During his tumultuous tenure as Opposition leader, he earned a reputation as a barely competent politician, who often exercised questionable judgment.
He was dethroned by a caucus mutiny triggered by a string of embarrassing faux pas, culminating in his party's hiring (and firing) of a former undercover agent linked to the Hells Angels biker club to "get the goods" on Jean Chrétien's Liberal government.
At the time, Day was described by one columnist as "a disaster waiting to happen."
She was right.
Having said on this it certainly would be a better idea to have a full inquiry into the RCMP than to follow the Day policy.
POLITICS AND POLICE
TheStar.com - comment - Day the one inescapable constant in RCMP mess
Day the one inescapable constant in RCMP mess
Jun 21, 2007 04:30 AM
Andrew Mitrovica
Stockwell Day is a fortunate man. He has so far escaped being held to even a semblance of account over a cascading series of scandals that have debilitated this nation's federal police force. The outrages are fuelled by deceit, incompetence and rot deep inside the RCMP.
Here is a synopsis of the force's recent travails:
A damning verdict by Ontario's former associate chief justice detailed the central and disastrous role the RCMP played in Maher Arar's illegal deportation and torture.
Charges from within the force's ranks pointed to corruption, cronyism and cover-up by top Mounties in connection to millions of dollars in an employee pension fund.
A disgraced commissioner resigned after offering contradictory accounts of his role in the Arar affair and a deputy commissioner was suspended after allegations of perjury before a parliamentary committee.
And now a report that lays bare the dictatorial character of the RCMP's most senior officers and their petty, vindictive response to internal dissent.
It is a portrait of a police force nearing implosion. The RCMP's dysfunctional state is an indictment of a government that routinely warns us that we are vulnerable to attacks from amorphous enemies at home and abroad. The implications of this disaster for Canadians' safety and security are incalculable. The one inescapable constant throughout this mess has been Day.
But the only thing Canada's public safety minister seems to be busy safeguarding these days is his refurbished reputation with much of the Ottawa press corps. If you are inclined to believe Day's recent press clippings, you would likely surmise that the minister is a quietly competent action man who is determined to rapidly right the sinking ship called the RCMP.
Day promoted this disingenuous image by commissioning David Brown, the former head of the notoriously limp Ontario Securities Commission, to produce a report containing a conclusion that anyone with a functioning pair of eyes and even a mild interest in our national security infrastructure knew long ago – the RCMP is dangerously adrift.
In the aftermath of Brown's headline grabbing finding that the RCMP is "broken," the minister has, once again, apparently seized the day. He has opted to strike a task force of eminent persons, rather than a full-fledged public inquiry, to determine how best to repair the RCMP because, Day says, "we've got to take action now."
This Pablum masquerading as "action" is, of course, classic crisis management. Day and his advisers have plucked the ready and predictable tricks from their public relations grab bag to get out "in front" of a damaging story.
They have constructed an exculpatory narrative of a minister who is in command, marshalling the resources of his department and government to quickly rehabilitate the RCMP's tarnished reputation in a belated effort to reassure you and me.
For the most part, the media have parroted the story line tailored by Day and company. He has, as a result, avoided uncomfortable questions concerning his whereabouts while the RCMP has been disintegrating so publicly.
There are other questions that demand answers. Why did Day turn to a Bay Street investigator to do his job? Isn't it the public safety minister's responsibility to probe the causes of the malignancy inside the RCMP? Why is the impatient minister content to wait until the end of the year, when the task force is expected to issue its findings, before overhauling the RCMP?
It is has been quite a metamorphosis for the former leader of the now deceased Canadian Alliance. During his tumultuous tenure as Opposition leader, he earned a reputation as a barely competent politician, who often exercised questionable judgment.
He was dethroned by a caucus mutiny triggered by a string of embarrassing faux pas, culminating in his party's hiring (and firing) of a former undercover agent linked to the Hells Angels biker club to "get the goods" on Jean Chrétien's Liberal government.
At the time, Day was described by one columnist as "a disaster waiting to happen."
She was right.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Scrapped anti-terror measures to be re-introduced.
I wonder if the opposition will vote down this bill. Perhaps the Tories want to portray the opposition parties as soft on terrorism if they do not support it. The Tories commitment to human rights has limits when it comes to anyone suspected of terrorism.
Tories to reintroduce scrapped anti-terror measures: Day
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | 2:27 PM ET
CBC News
The federal government plans to introduce legislation that would renew controversial anti-terrorism measures voted down by opposition parties earlier this year, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says.
Day said Tuesday he has drafted a bill to reinstate preventive arrests, which allow police to detain or restrain terror suspects without charge.
He also said the bill would allow the resumption of investigative hearings, which require anyone with information relevant to the investigation of a terrorist act to appear before a judge.
Both the Commons public safety committee and a Senate panel have already recommended extending those provisions, but Liberal MP and committee member Roy Cullen told CBC News Wednesday that Day must include other key recommendations from both panel reports to ensure the bill's passage.
Cullen also reiterated the Commons panel's request for a special panel of lawyers to deal with secret evidence in security cases, acting as a "devil's advocate" for those accused of terrorism.
"I hope they come forward with a good, constructive package and then some of my colleagues might be persuaded," said Cullen, who voted with the Conservatives for extending the measures in the parliamentary vote in February.
The proposal to keep the measures in place for three more years was voted down 159-124 in the House of Commons.
The Anti-Terrorism Act became part of the Criminal Code in December 2001, shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. The changes to the code were "aimed at disabling and dismantling the activities of terrorists groups and those who support them."
Day did not indicate when the new bill would be introduced to Parliament.
CSIS to expand into foreign intelligence
Day also told a parliamentary committee Tuesday that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service will be expanded to do covert foreign intelligence gathering abroad.
That prompted Cullen to accuse the Conservatives of reneging on a campaign promise in the last federal election to create a foreign intelligence service separate from CSIS.
"I'm not surprised," he said. "Rolling it into CSIS, I'm not so sure how that would work."
With files from the Canadian Press
Tories to reintroduce scrapped anti-terror measures: Day
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | 2:27 PM ET
CBC News
The federal government plans to introduce legislation that would renew controversial anti-terrorism measures voted down by opposition parties earlier this year, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says.
Day said Tuesday he has drafted a bill to reinstate preventive arrests, which allow police to detain or restrain terror suspects without charge.
He also said the bill would allow the resumption of investigative hearings, which require anyone with information relevant to the investigation of a terrorist act to appear before a judge.
Both the Commons public safety committee and a Senate panel have already recommended extending those provisions, but Liberal MP and committee member Roy Cullen told CBC News Wednesday that Day must include other key recommendations from both panel reports to ensure the bill's passage.
Cullen also reiterated the Commons panel's request for a special panel of lawyers to deal with secret evidence in security cases, acting as a "devil's advocate" for those accused of terrorism.
"I hope they come forward with a good, constructive package and then some of my colleagues might be persuaded," said Cullen, who voted with the Conservatives for extending the measures in the parliamentary vote in February.
The proposal to keep the measures in place for three more years was voted down 159-124 in the House of Commons.
The Anti-Terrorism Act became part of the Criminal Code in December 2001, shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. The changes to the code were "aimed at disabling and dismantling the activities of terrorists groups and those who support them."
Day did not indicate when the new bill would be introduced to Parliament.
CSIS to expand into foreign intelligence
Day also told a parliamentary committee Tuesday that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service will be expanded to do covert foreign intelligence gathering abroad.
That prompted Cullen to accuse the Conservatives of reneging on a campaign promise in the last federal election to create a foreign intelligence service separate from CSIS.
"I'm not surprised," he said. "Rolling it into CSIS, I'm not so sure how that would work."
With files from the Canadian Press
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Stockwell Day the Minister of Spin
So an obviously faulty risk assessment by intelligence agencies is turned into an important public relations exercise, so important that Day took the time to travel to Halifax to report on it. No doubt putting Arar on a watch list and asking Syrian intelligence to ask him questions was an important exercise in the war on terror as well even though it also showed that intelligence gatherers jump to conclusions on the flimsiest of evidence. This time it only caused a delay and no doubt some irritation for the ship's crew and an expensive search at taxpayer expense. I hope Day flew economy.
Search of Italian cargo ship turns up no stowaways
Meagan Fitzpatrick, CanWest News Service
Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A massive search of a transatlantic container ship turned up no stowaways at the Halifax port, but Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says the large scale operation was still worth the effort.
Canadian security agencies had suspected that the Italian-owned ship, the Cala Puebla, carried stowaways and as it approached the Canadian coast Tuesday morning from Portugal, police boats and border agents escorted it to shore.
Over the course of the day and evening Tuesday, officials questioned the crew and searched more than 100 containers using high-tech equipment and procedures.
According to reports, they were looking for upwards of 100 people hiding on board, but Mr. Day said for security reasons he could not confirm the exact number.
“The search in and of itself did not turn up anything in terms of people or contraband, however, it was a very positive exercise for all of our agencies to be engaged in at one time,” Mr. Day said at a media briefing on Wednesday morning.
The Canadian Border Services Agency, the RCMP, and local police were involved in the operation and other agencies were prepared to process and then house any stowaways that may have been discovered, Mr. Day said.
For security reasons, the minister said he could not provide details on why this particular ship was a concern but said it was determined through a risk assessment that the vessel posed a high enough risk to warrant the search.
Mr. Day said the ship carried about 700 containers, but only the ones destined for Canada were examined, about 180 of them. It would have taken too long to search all of the containers aboard the ship, he said.
“To ignore risks or not move on risks would be of course negligent and when a certain vessel reaches a certain level of risk assessment then the degree of search that you saw yesterday moves into place,” he said.
He spoke generally of the information considered in assembling a risk assessment of a ship coming to a Canadian port. It includes the ship’s manifest, the background of the crew and captain, where the ship has previously docked, and “other intelligence.”
“This is one of the cases where the vessel in question reached that risk assessment level, as has happened before in this region,” Mr. Day said. “It’s not totally uncommon to see that happen and you will continue to see that happen in the future.”
Even though it is routine for ships to be searched, according to Mr. Day, he traveled to Halifax to witness it for himself. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to see such a co-ordinated effort being carried out and he congratulated everyone involved.
Despite nothing illegal being found aboard the ship, Mr. Day also said it was an important public relations exercise.
“We continue to send the message that we have a high level of protection for our borders and for Canadians and that anybody trying to abuse their capabilities in terms of smuggling — we know that human smuggling has been a problem and is on the rise, we know that human trafficking is on the rise — we’re sending out a very strong message that we are on the alert for this, that Canada’s laws will not be abused and that we have the protective capabilities to make sure that our country remains safe and secure,” said Mr. Day.
Search of Italian cargo ship turns up no stowaways
Meagan Fitzpatrick, CanWest News Service
Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A massive search of a transatlantic container ship turned up no stowaways at the Halifax port, but Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says the large scale operation was still worth the effort.
Canadian security agencies had suspected that the Italian-owned ship, the Cala Puebla, carried stowaways and as it approached the Canadian coast Tuesday morning from Portugal, police boats and border agents escorted it to shore.
Over the course of the day and evening Tuesday, officials questioned the crew and searched more than 100 containers using high-tech equipment and procedures.
According to reports, they were looking for upwards of 100 people hiding on board, but Mr. Day said for security reasons he could not confirm the exact number.
“The search in and of itself did not turn up anything in terms of people or contraband, however, it was a very positive exercise for all of our agencies to be engaged in at one time,” Mr. Day said at a media briefing on Wednesday morning.
The Canadian Border Services Agency, the RCMP, and local police were involved in the operation and other agencies were prepared to process and then house any stowaways that may have been discovered, Mr. Day said.
For security reasons, the minister said he could not provide details on why this particular ship was a concern but said it was determined through a risk assessment that the vessel posed a high enough risk to warrant the search.
Mr. Day said the ship carried about 700 containers, but only the ones destined for Canada were examined, about 180 of them. It would have taken too long to search all of the containers aboard the ship, he said.
“To ignore risks or not move on risks would be of course negligent and when a certain vessel reaches a certain level of risk assessment then the degree of search that you saw yesterday moves into place,” he said.
He spoke generally of the information considered in assembling a risk assessment of a ship coming to a Canadian port. It includes the ship’s manifest, the background of the crew and captain, where the ship has previously docked, and “other intelligence.”
“This is one of the cases where the vessel in question reached that risk assessment level, as has happened before in this region,” Mr. Day said. “It’s not totally uncommon to see that happen and you will continue to see that happen in the future.”
Even though it is routine for ships to be searched, according to Mr. Day, he traveled to Halifax to witness it for himself. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to see such a co-ordinated effort being carried out and he congratulated everyone involved.
Despite nothing illegal being found aboard the ship, Mr. Day also said it was an important public relations exercise.
“We continue to send the message that we have a high level of protection for our borders and for Canadians and that anybody trying to abuse their capabilities in terms of smuggling — we know that human smuggling has been a problem and is on the rise, we know that human trafficking is on the rise — we’re sending out a very strong message that we are on the alert for this, that Canada’s laws will not be abused and that we have the protective capabilities to make sure that our country remains safe and secure,” said Mr. Day.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
A judicial inquiry in RCMP pension scandal?
Given the time frame for these inquiries the pensioners may have passed on before the issue is settled. Maybe Ray Romanow could do an investigation. He is just to run for board member of Torstar with the recommendation of Iacobucci.
Day not ruling out judicial inquiry
JEFF SALLOT
OTTAWA -- A full judicial inquiry into the RCMP pension scandal could take years, yet in the end the government might be forced to go that route, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day acknowledged yesterday under pressure from the political opposition.
Mr. Day reiterated his preference for what he describes as a relatively quick and informal investigation by a government appointee, a process that he believes could be wrapped up in 12 weeks.
But Mr. Day told the House the minority Conservative government has not ruled out a formal inquiry down the road. "We have not said an absolute no."
As Parliament broke yesterday for a two-week break, the government had still not named someone to chair the quick inquiry, saying it takes time for qualified people to clear their calendar of other commitments before they can accept such an appointment.
When asked if the investigator might be a retired judge, Mr. Day laughed and said "there is no shortage."
The Conservatives named two former Supreme Court of Canada judges to head commissions of inquiry last year. John Major is investigating the Air-India bombing and Frank Iacobucci is examining the cases of three Canadian Muslim men who were detained and tortured in the Middle East. Both these judicial inquiries will be examining RCMP conduct as part of their mandates.
Before heading to their ridings last night, government and opposition MPs used the RCMP pension issue as fresh fodder to go at each other in the House.
Liberal MP Lucienne Robillard said the fact the Conservatives don't want a full judicial inquiry is evidence they are part of an ongoing "cover-up." She noted that the government has known about the pension-fund scandal since a report by the Auditor-General in November, but did nothing until damning testimony by senior Mounties at the Commons public accounts committee Wednesday.
Government House Leader Peter Van Loan shot back that if there was any cover-up it was by the previous Liberal government. The alleged nepotism in the administration of the RCMP pension fund and misappropriation of money took place when the Liberals were in power.
NDP justice critic Joe Comartin said the government owes rank-and-file Mounties whose pension money was at stake a full commission under the Inquiries Act, which could force reluctant witnesses to testify under immunity. Mr. Day said the RCMP's interim commissioner, Bev Busson, can make sure all serving Mounties co-operate with the independent investigator.
Day not ruling out judicial inquiry
JEFF SALLOT
OTTAWA -- A full judicial inquiry into the RCMP pension scandal could take years, yet in the end the government might be forced to go that route, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day acknowledged yesterday under pressure from the political opposition.
Mr. Day reiterated his preference for what he describes as a relatively quick and informal investigation by a government appointee, a process that he believes could be wrapped up in 12 weeks.
But Mr. Day told the House the minority Conservative government has not ruled out a formal inquiry down the road. "We have not said an absolute no."
As Parliament broke yesterday for a two-week break, the government had still not named someone to chair the quick inquiry, saying it takes time for qualified people to clear their calendar of other commitments before they can accept such an appointment.
When asked if the investigator might be a retired judge, Mr. Day laughed and said "there is no shortage."
The Conservatives named two former Supreme Court of Canada judges to head commissions of inquiry last year. John Major is investigating the Air-India bombing and Frank Iacobucci is examining the cases of three Canadian Muslim men who were detained and tortured in the Middle East. Both these judicial inquiries will be examining RCMP conduct as part of their mandates.
Before heading to their ridings last night, government and opposition MPs used the RCMP pension issue as fresh fodder to go at each other in the House.
Liberal MP Lucienne Robillard said the fact the Conservatives don't want a full judicial inquiry is evidence they are part of an ongoing "cover-up." She noted that the government has known about the pension-fund scandal since a report by the Auditor-General in November, but did nothing until damning testimony by senior Mounties at the Commons public accounts committee Wednesday.
Government House Leader Peter Van Loan shot back that if there was any cover-up it was by the previous Liberal government. The alleged nepotism in the administration of the RCMP pension fund and misappropriation of money took place when the Liberals were in power.
NDP justice critic Joe Comartin said the government owes rank-and-file Mounties whose pension money was at stake a full commission under the Inquiries Act, which could force reluctant witnesses to testify under immunity. Mr. Day said the RCMP's interim commissioner, Bev Busson, can make sure all serving Mounties co-operate with the independent investigator.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Message to Stockwell Day's non-functioning email address
On January 11th I sent two questions re the Iacobucci inquiry to Stockwell Day's email address at parliament. The two questions were:
1) When will the inquiry begin.
2) Will there be a website.
I sent several followup messages and two were sent as well from the office of Inky Mark my MP. However as of March 14 there has been no reply from Stockwell Day's office.
Courtesy of Google I have found out that there is a website for the inquiry:
http://www.iacobucciinquiry.ca/en/home.htm
I include this in case anyone should inquire to Mark's office re the inquiry. Perhaps someone could inform Day that his email address is not functioning but then neither is the address of the NDP justice critic.
1) When will the inquiry begin.
2) Will there be a website.
I sent several followup messages and two were sent as well from the office of Inky Mark my MP. However as of March 14 there has been no reply from Stockwell Day's office.
Courtesy of Google I have found out that there is a website for the inquiry:
http://www.iacobucciinquiry.ca/en/home.htm
I include this in case anyone should inquire to Mark's office re the inquiry. Perhaps someone could inform Day that his email address is not functioning but then neither is the address of the NDP justice critic.
Iacobucci Inquiry: Notice of Hearing
Well at least this hearing is public! Nothing classified here! I still have not had a response from Stockwell Days email as to when the inquiry is to start or whether there is a website. Fortunately Google is more diligent and dug up the information as soon as the website appeared. I sent my request for information on January 11 with several followups. THere was absolutely no reply from Day's office.
Media advisory
Public Hearing on Participation and Funding
Ottawa, March 15, 2007 - The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, Commissioner of the Internal Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin, will be holding a public hearing to receive applications by interested individuals, groups, governments and agencies for an opportunity to participate in the Inquiry and a recommendation for funding. The hearing will take place from 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at the Bytown Lounge, 111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.
The list of applicants will be posted and updated on the Inquiry’s Web site www.iacobucciInquiry.ca, under “Hearings”.
For more information contact:
Francine Bastien
Media advisory
Public Hearing on Participation and Funding
Ottawa, March 15, 2007 - The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, Commissioner of the Internal Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin, will be holding a public hearing to receive applications by interested individuals, groups, governments and agencies for an opportunity to participate in the Inquiry and a recommendation for funding. The hearing will take place from 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at the Bytown Lounge, 111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.
The list of applicants will be posted and updated on the Inquiry’s Web site www.iacobucciInquiry.ca, under “Hearings”.
For more information contact:
Francine Bastien
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Questions re Iacobucci Inquiry
Below is an email I sent to Stockwell Day and my MP Inky Mark. Only Mark has responded at all or his assistant and she did not answer the questions. Day's office simply is silent. I find it maddening that MP's put their email addresses on line but no one seems to respond. I know from other sources that Iacobucci has picked his staff and arranged for a session in March to see who might make presentations. Iacobucci is to report by the end of next January. The inquiry is into the jailing of three Canadian muslims in Syria.
On January 11th I posted two questions about the Iacobucci inquiry. I followed up several times. I include the last post received back, a post that is totally irrelevant and does not answer the two questions. I repeat them and ask a third.
1) When will the inquiry begin?
2) Will it have a web site?
3) Why does Stockwell Day have an email address when in a period of almost two months there is no response to queries?
--- "Inky Mark, M.P." wrote:
> February 15, 2007
>
> To: Ken Hanly
>
>
> From: Debby Sorochynski, Executive Assistant to
> Inky Mark, MP
> Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette
> Constituency Office
>
>
>
>
>
> Thank you for forwarding a copy of your email for
> Mr. Mark's information.
>
> He will appreciate your consideration.
>
>
>
> Yours truly
> Debby Sorochynski
> Executive Assistant to Inky Mark, MP
> 4C - 1450 Main Street S.
> Dauphin, Mb. R7N 3H4 Telephone: (204) 622-4659
> Fax: (204) 622-4654
> inkymark@mts.net
> web site: inkymark.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Inky Mark, M.P. [mailto:inkymark@mts.net]
> Sent: February 5, 2007 11:35 AM
> To: Mark, Inky - M.P.
> Subject: Fw: Question re Iacobucci Inquiry
>
>
>
On January 11th I posted two questions about the Iacobucci inquiry. I followed up several times. I include the last post received back, a post that is totally irrelevant and does not answer the two questions. I repeat them and ask a third.
1) When will the inquiry begin?
2) Will it have a web site?
3) Why does Stockwell Day have an email address when in a period of almost two months there is no response to queries?
--- "Inky Mark, M.P."
> February 15, 2007
>
> To: Ken Hanly
>
>
> From: Debby Sorochynski, Executive Assistant to
> Inky Mark, MP
> Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette
> Constituency Office
>
>
>
>
>
> Thank you for forwarding a copy of your email for
> Mr. Mark's information.
>
> He will appreciate your consideration.
>
>
>
> Yours truly
> Debby Sorochynski
> Executive Assistant to Inky Mark, MP
> 4C - 1450 Main Street S.
> Dauphin, Mb. R7N 3H4 Telephone: (204) 622-4659
> Fax: (204) 622-4654
> inkymark@mts.net
> web site: inkymark.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Inky Mark, M.P. [mailto:inkymark@mts.net]
> Sent: February 5, 2007 11:35 AM
> To: Mark, Inky - M.P.
> Subject: Fw: Question re Iacobucci Inquiry
>
>
>
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