Information on the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar

Prime Minister releases letter of apology to Maher Arar and his family and announces completion of mediation process, January 26, 2007 Leaks A criminal investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the investigative team through the RCMP National Security tip line at 1-800-420-5805. RCMP supports effective and appropriate review of its national security activities, December 12, 2006 Response to the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar , September 28, 2006 Commission of Inquiry

On January 28, 2004, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the creation of a Commission of Inquiry aimed at examining the role of Canadian officials in relation to Maher Arar. On February 5, 2004, the Government of Canada issued the Commission of Inquiry’s terms of reference.

The Commission of Inquiry is headed by Justice Dennis O’Connor and has two goals:

• Investigate and report on the actions of Canadian officials in relation to Maher Arar (the factual inquiry).
  
  
• Make recommendations concerning an independent, arm’s length review mechanism for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s national security activities (the policy review).

On December 12, 2006 the Royal Canadian Mounted Police welcomed the release of Justice Dennis O’Connor’s policy review report, asking that any new review mechanism for its national security activities be comprehensive enough to ensure public confidence is maintained without compromising the police force’s ability to do its job.

On September 18, Justice O'Connor submitted his report to the Government on the Part I Inquiry into the actions of Canadian Officials in the case of Mr. Maher Arar. The government released the report to the public on the same day. Government officials are currently reviewing the report and will take action based on the recommendations. The Minister indicated to the House of Commons that "the Government will respond to the recommendations and we will act on them."

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