Home Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-11-23: Minister McLellan announces inquiry into outstanding questions concerning the bombing of Air India Flight 182

Minister McLellan announces inquiry into outstanding questions concerning the bombing of Air India Flight 182

“The bombing of Air India flight 182 was the worst terrorist incident in our history and a Canadian tragedy. For the friends and families of those who perished, the loss of their loved ones was catastrophic.

The Prime Minister and I have met with the families of the Air India bombing victims and have been deeply moved by their words.

As well, the Prime Minister traveled to Ireland in June to join families marking the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy. He named June 23rd a national day for Canadians to remember victims of terrorism. The Government also committed to creating permanent memorials to the victims of this tragedy.

We did this, not only to recognize the victims of the Air India bombing, but also to ensure that June 23rd 1985 would be forever etched in our history – as the day that thrust Canada into the terrible reality of international terrorism.

Last April, I asked the Honourable Bob Rae to provide me with independent advice on outstanding questions of public interest concerning the Air India bombing and to set out a way forward to address these questions.

Last night, Mr. Rae met with me to discuss his report, which he wrote after reviewing documents of the case and meeting with officials and family members. His was not an easy task and I am grateful for the intelligence and compassion that Mr. Rae brought to it. I thank him for his valuable counsel.

After reading and reflecting on the report, and meeting with the families this afternoon, I am convinced that there remain, as Mr. Rae has titled his report, lessons to be learned from this tragedy and I accept his recommendation to set up an order-in- council public inquiry.

I have consulted with the Prime Minister, and am announcing that we intend to appoint Mr. Rae to conduct a fact-based, policy-oriented public inquiry to deal with important questions that remain unresolved. I believe the relationships that Mr. Rae has built with the families, combined with the understanding that he has of the context of this tragedy, will help him move forward expeditiously. The terms of reference will be issued shortly.

On behalf of all Canadians and the families I hope we will answer these questions to ensure that this kind of tragedy does not happen again.

See also :

• Report of the Honourable Bob Rae

For further information:

Media Relations
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
(613) 991-0657

Alex Swann
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863