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Comments regarding the 1985 tragedy of Air India Flight 182

Today, in her speech to the House of Commons, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan stated that:

I will seek independent advice from an eminent person who can review all the material related to the Air India bombing; someone who can meet the families and interview government officials so that he or she can give me independent advice in relation to outstanding questions of public interest which could be answered today, 20 years after this tragic event.

This review can only begin once we have determined whether the province of British Columbia will appeal the decision of Mr. Justice Josephson. If the province proceeds with an appeal that must take priority and this process must await the result of that appeal.

This process of seeking independent advice will enable us to identify a way forward – a way forward that can resolve any remaining public interest questions, and build on the progress we have made and the conclusions that have been drawn since June 23rd, 1985.

Before I take any action, I want to meet the families of the victims next Tuesday, April 12, as the start of a dialogue, so that we have a good understanding of what questions remain unanswered for them.

For more information:

Alex Swann
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863