Friday, January 26, 2007

Speech

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)


PRIME MINISTER RELEASES LETTER OF APOLOGY TO MAHER ARAR AND HIS FAMILY AND ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF MEDIATION PROCESS

January 26, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

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Good afternoon.

I wish to announce that the government of Canada has concluded a settlement with Mr. Maher Arar regarding his legal actions.

As a consequence I have written to Mr. Arar as follows

“On behalf of the government of Canada, I wish to apologize to you, Monia Mazigh and your family for any role Canadian officials may have played in the terrible ordeal that all of you experienced in 2002 and 2003.

Although these events occurred under the last government, please rest assured that this government will do everything in its power to ensure that the issues raised by Commissioner O’Connor are addressed.

I trust, having arrived at a negotiated settlement, we have ensured that fair compensation will be paid to you and your family.

I sincerely hope that these words and actions will assist you and your family in your efforts to begin a new and hopeful chapter in your lives.”

As I have said before, we cannot go back and fix the injustice that occurred to Mr. Arar. However, we can make some changes to lessen the likelihood that something like this will ever happen again.

  • To this end, Canada’s new government has accepted all 23 recommendations made in commissioner O’Connor’s first report;

  • The government has sent letters to both the Syrian and U.S. governments formally objecting to the treatment of Mr. Arar;

  • Canada has removed Mr. Arar from Canadian lookout lists; and

  • We have specifically requested that the United States amend its own records accordingly.

    Now I understand that the United States has requested that Canada not push the United States to amend its records for Mr. Arar.

    Canada fully understands, appreciates and shares the United States’ concerns about security.

    However, this government – the government of Canada – has every right to go to bat for one of its citizens when the government believes a Canadian is being unfairly treated by another country.

    That’s why Minister Day has pushed to have Mr. Arar removed from the U.S. watch list.

    And to be clear, as Prime Minister, Minister Day has done so with my full support.

    Moving forward, the government looks forward to implementing Commissioner O’Connor’s recommendations while ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.

    Thank you.
    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    • posted by a Confidential Source @ 1/26/2007   0 comments

    News Release

    From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)


    PRIME MINISTER RELEASES LETTER OF APOLOGY TO MAHER ARAR AND HIS FAMILY AND ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF MEDIATION PROCESS

    January 26, 2007
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper today released the letter of apology he has sent to Maher Arar and his family for any role Canadian officials may have played in what happened to Mr. Arar, Monia Mazigh and their family in 2002 and 2003.

    “Although the events leading up to this terrible ordeal happened under the previous government, our Government will do everything in its power to ensure that the issues raised by Commissioner O’Connor are addressed,” said the Prime Minister. “I sincerely hope that these actions will help Mr. Arar and his family begin a new and hopeful chapter in their lives.”

    Canada’s New Government has accepted all 23 recommendations made in Commissioner O’Connor’s first report, and has already begun acting upon them. The Government has sent letters to both the Syrian and the U.S. governments formally objecting to the treatment of Mr. Arar. Ministers Day and MacKay have also expressed Canada’s concerns on this important issue to their American counterparts. Finally, Canada has removed Mr. Arar from Canadian lookout lists, and requested that the United States amend its own records accordingly.

    The Prime Minister also announced that Canada’s New Government has successfully completed the mediation process with Mr. Arar, fulfilling another one of Commissioner O’Connor’s recommendations. This settlement, mutually agreed upon by all parties, ensures that Mr. Arar and his family will obtain fair compensation, in the amount of $10.5 million, plus legal costs, for the ordeal they have suffered.

    The text of the Prime Minister’s letter to Maher Arar is attached.

    * * * *

    Dear Mr. Arar:

    On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to apologize to you, Monia Mazigh and your family for any role Canadian officials may have played in the terrible ordeal that all of you experienced in 2002 and 2003.

    Although these events occurred under the last government, please rest assured that this government will do everything in its power to ensure that the issues raised by Commissioner O’Connor are addressed.

    I trust that, having arrived at a negotiated settlement, we have ensured that fair compensation will be paid to you and your family. I sincerely hope that these words and actions will assist you and your family in your efforts to begin a new and hopeful chapter in your lives.

    Yours sincerely,

    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
    [Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]

    posted by a Confidential Source @ 1/26/2007   0 comments

    News Release

    From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)


    PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN THE SENIOR RANKS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

    January 26, 2007
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:

    Leonard Edwards, currently Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, becomes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective March 5, 2007. Mr. Edwards succeeds Peter Harder who is leaving the Public Service after a distinguished career of 29 years of service.

    Yaprak Baltacioğlu, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, effective March 5, 2007.

    William V. Baker, currently Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, becomes Commissioner of Revenue, effective April 2, 2007. Mr. Baker succeeds Michel Dorais who is leaving the Public Service after a distinguished career of 30 years of service.

    David Mulroney, currently Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, with particular responsibility for inter-departmental Afghanistan coordination, effective February 19, 2007.

    Susan Cartwright, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Health, becomes Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office, effective February 19, 2007.

    Simon Kennedy, currently Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Economic and Regional Development Policy, Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, effective March 5, 2007.

    Rodney Monette, currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services, National Defence, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, effective January 29, 2007.

    The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank Peter Harder and Michel Dorais for their dedication to the Public Service and for their excellence in serving Canadians over the years, and to wish each of them all the best in their future endeavours.

    Biographical notes attached.

    * * * *

    LEONARD J. EDWARDS

    Date of Birth:
    September 1946

    Education:
    B.A., History, University of Saskatchewan
    M.A., History, University of Saskatchewan

    Professional Experience

    Since May 2004
    Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

    2001 - 2004
    Deputy Minister for International Trade

    1998 - June 2001
    Ambassador to Japan

    1994 - 1997
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia and Pacific, then Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade and Economic Policy, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1991 - 1994
    Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Seoul

    1988 - 1991
    Director General, Corporate Management Bureau, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1983 - 1988
    Counsellor, Canadian Permanent Mission to the United Nations (Geneva), then Executive Director, Summits Management Office, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1978 - 1983
    Deputy Director, Pacific Division and Northeast Asia Division, then Deputy Chairman, Secretariat for Policy Planning, International Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1973 - 1978
    First Secretary and Consul, Ankara, then Political Officer, NATO Secretariat, Brussels, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1971 - 1973
    Permanent Representative, Hanoi, then Desk Officer, East Asia Division, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1969 - 1971
    Foreign Service Officer, International Affairs; then Legal Advisor, Saigon, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada


    YAPRAK BALTACIOĞLU

    Date of Birth:
    September 1959

    Education:
    Master of Arts, Carleton University, School of Public Administration
    Bachelor of Law, Istanbul University, Faculty of Law

    Professional Experience

    May 2004 to Present
    Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office

    2002 - 2004
    Assistant Secretary to Cabinet, Social Development Policy, Privy Council Office

    2000 - 2002
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    1999 - 2000
    Director General, International Relations, Environment Canada

    1997 - 1999
    Director General, Strategic Policy, Environment Canada

    1995 - 1997
    Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    1993 - 1995
    Director, Policy Coordination, Agriculture Canada

    1992 - 1993
    Chief, Federal-Provincial Relations, Agriculture Canada

    1991 - 1992
    Manager, Cabinet Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Agriculture Canada

    1990 - 1991
    Senior Analyst, Agriculture Canada

    1989 - 1990
    Program Evaluation Officer, Public Service Commission

    1987 - 1988
    Research Assistant, Business Council on National Issues Study on Parliamentary Reform

    WILLIAM V. BAKER

    Date of Birth :
    November 1954

    Education :
    Master of Arts, Public Administration, Carleton University
    Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Psychology, Carleton University

    Professional Experience

    Since May 2006
    Deputy Commissioner of Revenue

    2003- 2006
    Commissioner of Firearms, Canada Firearms Centre

    1999 – 2003
    Assistant Commissioner, Compliance Programs Branch, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

    1997 – 1999
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Appeals Branch, Revenue Canada

    1995 – 1997
    Director General, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate, Policy and Legislation Branch, Revenue Canada

    1994 – 1995
    Director, Administrative Consolidation Task Force, Revenue Canada

    1990 – 1994
    Director, Corporate Development Division, Corporate Affairs Branch, National Revenue (Taxation)

    1987 – 1990
    Director, Program Evaluation, Internal Audit and Evaluation Directorate, Communications and Corporate Development Branch, National Revenue (Taxation)

    1979 – 1987
    Analyst / Senior Analyst, Treasury Board Division, Saskatchewan Finance, then Director, Program Review Group, Treasury Board Division, Saskatchewan Finance, Government of Saskatchewan, Regina


    DAVID MULRONEY

    Date of Birth:
    November 1954

    Education:
    B.A., English, University of Toronto

    Professional Experience

    Since March 2006
    Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, Privy Council Office

    2005 - 2006
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Bilateral Relations, Foreign Affairs Canada

    2001 - 2005
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia-Pacific, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1998 - 2001
    Executive Director, Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1995 -1998
    Executive Director, Canada-China Business Council

    1992 - 1995
    Commercial Counsellor, Canadian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1990 - 1992
    Executive Assistant, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1988 - 1990
    Deputy Director, East Asia Trade Division, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1985 - 1988
    Consul, Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1982 - 1985
    Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy in Korea, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1981 - 1982
    Assistant Trade Commissioner, St-John’s Regional Office, Industry Trade and Commerce Canada


    SUSAN CARTWRIGHT

    Date of Birth:
    September 1957

    Education:
    Master of Arts, University of Waterloo
    Bachelor (Honours), Arts, University of Victoria

    Professional Experience

    Since September 2006
    Associate Deputy Minister of Health

    2006
    Assistant Secretary, Accountability in Government, and then Assistant Secretary, Treasury Board Secretariat

    2005 - 2006
    Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Security & Justice, Treasury Board Secretariat

    2003 - 2005
    Assistant Secretary, Government Operations Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

    2002 - 2003
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

    1999 - 2002
    Director General, European Union, North and West Europe Bureau, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1996 - 1999
    Ambassador, Republic of Hungary, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1993 - 1996
    Senior Departmental Advisor to the Minister of International Trade, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1993 - 1993
    Deputy Advisor, Resource Planning and Management Secretariat, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1982 - 1992
    Foreign Service Officer (Nairobi, Melbourne, Lagos and Mumbai), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

    1981 - 1981
    Trade Commissioner, Industry, Trade and Commerce Canada

    1981 - 1981
    Vaughn Willms

    1978 - 1979
    Ministry of the Environment, Government of British Columbia


    SIMON KENNEDY

    Date of Birth:
    July 1969

    Education:
    Bachelor of Public Relations (with distinction), Mount Saint Vincent University
    M.Sc. (Communications Management), S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University

    Professional Experience

    Since July 2004
    Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Economic and Regional Development Policy, Privy Council Office

    September 2003 - July 2004
    Director General, International Marketing, Market and Industry Services Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    March 2001 - September 2003
    Director General, Policy Planning and Integration, Policy Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    October 1999 - March 2001
    Director of Operations, Priorities and Planning, Plans and Consultation Branch, Privy Council Office

    November 1997 - October 1999
    Senior Analyst, Priorities and Planning, Plans and Consultation Branch, Privy Council Office

    April 1990 - October 1997
    Various positions in Policy and Communications, Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada


    RODNEY MONETTE

    Date of Birth:
    August 1955

    Education:
    B.Sc., Carleton University
    M.B.A., University of Ottawa
    Chartered Accountant, Clarkson Gordon Chartered Accountants

    Professional Experience

    Since September 2003
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services, National Defence

    November 2002 - September 2003
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations, Public Works and Government Services Canada

    April 2001 - November 2002
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Government Operational Services, Public Works and Government Services Canada

    April 2000 - April 2001
    Assistant Comptroller General and Assistant Secretary, Financial Management Policy, Expenditure Analysis and Operations Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

    December 1997 - March 2000
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services, Environment Canada

    August 1995 - December 1997
    Assistant Commissioner, Regional Operations, Prairies Region, Revenue Canada

    August 1992 - August 1995
    Assistant Deputy Minister, Manitoba, Western Economic Diversification Canada

    February 1988 - August 1992
    Director General, Finance and Professional Services, Western Economic Diversification Canada

    October 1986 - February 1988
    Director, Financial Analysis and Program Review, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

    February 1985 - October 1986
    Director, Management Improvement Projects, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

    June 1981 - February 1985
    Analyst then Senior Analyst, Policy Development, Office of the Comptroller General of Canada

    June 1978 - June 1981
    Senior Staff Accountant, Clarkson Gordon Chartered Accountants
    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    posted by a Confidential Source @ 1/26/2007   0 comments