Home Programs National security Air India review Statement by the Honourable Bob Rae

Statement by the Honourable Bob Rae

The Honourable Bob Rae, Independent Advisor to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on outstanding questions of public interest regarding the tragic bombing of Air India flight 182 releases his recommendations.

Seven months ago I was asked by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to provide her with independent advice on whether or not there exist any outstanding questions of public interest relating to the tragic bombing of Air India flight 182. Since then I have met with government officials from all relevant departments, reviewed the findings and recommendations of investigative inquiries such as those conducted by the Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC) and the Canadian Aviation Safety Board, and reviewed transportation and security measures (including law enforcement and intelligence) taken by departments and agencies of the Government of Canada since 1985. I have also been privileged to meet with victims’ family members across Canada and have been touched by the extreme loss that they have suffered.

I am confident that my recommendations indicate how best to answer outstanding questions of public interest, and that should the Minister accept these recommendations, these questions can be answered through the appointment of a Commissioner under Cabinet Order in Council who is given a clear mandate, and an assurance of full cooperation.

I would like to thank Minister McLellan for giving me the opportunity to help address what is most certainly one of Canada’s greatest terrorist tragedies.

To view the report.

For more information, please contact:

Taleeb Noormohamed
Director Air India Review Secretariat and Senior Advisor to Bob Rae
Tel: 613-762-3911
taleeb.noormohamed@airs.gc.ca