Home Programs National security Air India review Lessons to be learned: The report of the Honourable Bob Rae Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Terms of reference

Independent Advisor to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on Outstanding Questions with respect to the Bombing of Air India Flight 182

Context

The Air India bombing remains the worst terrorist incident in Canadian history. It is a tragedy felt by all Canadians, in particular those who lost family members and friends.

In the years since 1985, there have been a number of domestic and international investigations, inquiries and legal proceedings which have led to many improvements in Canada’s public safety and transportation security systems.

The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness wants an independent person to provide her with advice on what remains to be learned about this tragedy. She wants this advice based on a review of the various reports and recommendations, as well as interviews with government officials about steps taken to strengthen public safety and transportation security systems. She also wants this person to consult family members, continuing the dialogue she started with them on outstanding questions. Finally, she would like advice on options for addressing any outstanding questions.

The Minister has underlined that she is open to considering all options for moving forward, once she has received advice from the eminent person.

Mandate

The mandate is to provide independent advice to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on whether there are outstanding questions of public interest with respect to the bombing of Air India Flight 182 that can still be answered given the passage of time and sets out the options for addressing any such questions. In order to provide the best possible advice, the Independent Advisor will be mandated to:

1. Review material related to the Air India tragedy, including
   • Domestic and international proceedings
   • The findings and recommendations of investigations and inquiries such as those by the Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC) and the Canadian Aviation Safety Board
   • Transportation and security (including law enforcement and intelligence) measures taken by Government of Canada departments and agencies since 1985
2. Consult with relevant persons, including family members of the victims of the Air India bombing, government officials including officials from the British Columbia Attorney General.
3. Provide to the Minister a written report on the issues of public interest surrounding this matter that:
   • Ascertains the questions and answers that have already been determined in whole or in part
   • Establishes whether there are any outstanding questions of public interest that can be answered today
   • Advises on options for addressing such outstanding questions