STATEMENT BY JUSTICE MINISTER ROB NICHOLSON FOLLOWING THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA DECISION ON OMAR KHADR

OTTAWA, January 29, 2010 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement today following the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision on Omar Khadr.

“The Government is pleased that the Supreme Court has recognized the ‘constitutional responsibility of the executive to make decisions on matters of foreign affairs in the context of complex and ever-changing circumstances, taking into account Canada's broader interests.’

The Supreme Court overturned two previous lower court decisions and ruled that the Government is not required to ask for accused terrorist Omar Khadr’s return to Canada.

Omar Khadr faces very serious charges including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, material support for terrorism, and spying. 

The Government will carefully review the Supreme Court's ruling and determine what further action is required.”

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Ref.:

• Pamela Stephens
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621
  
  
• Media Relations
  Department of Justice
  613-957-4207