Department of Justice

NEAL SHER TO WORK WITH CANADA'S WAR CRIMES UNIT

OTTAWA, December 12, 1997. As part of the federal government's 1995 commitment to a renewed war crimes strategy, Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced today that Neal Sher, former director of the Office of Special Investigations in the United States Department of Justice, will act in an advisory capacity to Canada's war crimes unit. Minister McLellan made the announcement in Toronto with Art Eggleton, Minister of National Defence.

"When Ministers Allan Rock and Sergio Marchi introduced revocation of citizenship and deportation as a way of dealing with suspected war criminals in 1995, Canada took a realistic and significant step forward in its commitment to rid Canada of those who have committed crimes against humanity in times of war," said Minister Eggleton.

Under its policy of revoking citizenship and deporting suspected war criminals the federal government has exceeded its 1995 promise to initiate 12 new cases. This was done by March 1997, one year ahead of the original pledge. An additional two cases were started in September 1997, for a total of 14 cases begun since 1995. The name of the thirteenth defendant, Wasyl Odynsky, was made public yesterday when the case was referred to the Federal Court. The name of the fourteenth defendant will be made public at the beginning of next week.

"Canada's determination to ensure that Canada is not a safe haven for those alleged to have committed war crimes or crimes against humanity, regardless of when those events have occurred, has shown positive results in recent years. We intend to build on this foundation. I am pleased that Mr. Sher has agreed to support Canada in its efforts. His considerable experience and expertise will be a welcome complement as we endeavour to right historic wrongs and maintain Canada's integrity at home and abroad," said Minister McLellan.

As part of its resolve to further improve Canada's approach and accountability in bringing suspected war criminals to justice the federal government is also looking at possible changes to the Extradition Act to make it easier to deport suspected war criminals straight to the international tribunal in the Hague. In addition, the first of a series of annual reports will be released in the spring of 1998 outlining progress in Canada's war crimes program.

Mr. Sher's appointment will take effect early in the new year.

Ref.:   Minister's Office    Department of Justice
        Pierre Gratton     Paul Vickery 
        (613) 992-4621    (613) 954-7815