News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES COMMISSIONER FOR INQUIRY INTO DEALINGS BETWEEN THE RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY AND KARLHEINZ SCHREIBER

June 12, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of Mr. Justice Jeffrey J. Oliphant as a Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into certain allegations respecting business dealings between Karlheinz Schreiber and the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney.

Mr. Justice Oliphant, Associate Chief Justice, Court of Queen's Bench for Manitoba, has been appointed as Commissioner under Part 1 of the Inquiries Act, with all the powers set out in the Act, including the authority to hold hearings, summon witnesses and gather evidence needed to conduct the inquiry.

"The Government is acting on its commitment to establish a public inquiry into this matter," said the Prime Minister. "A number of questions remain unanswered and it is in the public interest to investigate further and to find answers."

As Commissioner of the Inquiry, Mr. Justice Oliphant's mandate will be to investigate and report on the 17 questions raised by Professor David Johnston in his report to the Prime Minister of January 9, 2008. The report resulting from the Inquiry will be submitted to the Government on or before June 12, 2009.

Biographical notes are attached. The terms of reference are available online at www.pco-bcp.gc.ca. Justice Oliphant will be unavailable for public comment until the Office of the Commissioner is established.



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JUSTICE JEFFREY JAMES OLIPHANT

Justice Oliphant was appointed on August 22, 1985 as a Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba. On December 24, 1990 he was appointed as Associate Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba. He was appointed a Deputy Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice in October 2002 and is a former Chair of the Judicial Inquiry Board of Manitoba.

Justice Oliphant was born February 10, 1944. He graduated from the Faculty of Law from the University of Manitoba in May 1967 and was called to the bar on June 2, 1967. He worked for the law firm of Johnston & Company in Dauphin, Manitoba from 1967 – 1985.

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Speech

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

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Prime Minister Harper offers full apology on behalf of Canadians for the Indian Residential Schools system

June 11, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

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The treatment of children in Indian Residential Schools is a sad chapter in our history.

For more than a century, Indian Residential Schools separated over 150,000 Aboriginal children from their families and communities. In the 1870's, the federal government, partly in order to meet its obligation to educate Aboriginal children, began to play a role in the development and administration of these schools. Two primary objectives of the Residential Schools system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures, and to assimilate them into the dominant culture. These objectives were based on the assumption Aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, "to kill the Indian in the child". Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.

One hundred and thirty-two federally-supported schools were located in every province and territory, except Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Most schools were operated as "joint ventures" with Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian or United Churches. The Government of Canada built an educational system in which very young children were often forcibly removed from their homes, often taken far from their communities. Many were inadequately fed, clothed and housed. All were deprived of the care and nurturing of their parents, grandparents and communities. First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages and cultural practices were prohibited in these schools. Tragically, some of these children died while attending residential schools and others never returned home.

The government now recognizes that the consequences of the Indian Residential Schools policy were profoundly negative and that this policy has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language. While some former students have spoken positively about their experiences at residential schools, these stories are far overshadowed by tragic accounts of the emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect of helpless children, and their separation from powerless families and communities.

The legacy of Indian Residential Schools has contributed to social problems that continue to exist in many communities today.

It has taken extraordinary courage for the thousands of survivors that have come forward to speak publicly about the abuse they suffered. It is a testament to their resilience as individuals and to the strength of their cultures. Regrettably, many former students are not with us today and died never having received a full apology from the Government of Canada.

The government recognizes that the absence of an apology has been an impediment to healing and reconciliation. Therefore, on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I stand before you, in this Chamber so central to our life as a country, to apologize to Aboriginal peoples for Canada's role in the Indian Residential Schools system.

To the approximately 80,000 living former students, and all family members and communities, the Government of Canada now recognizes that it was wrong to forcibly remove children from their homes and we apologize for having done this. We now recognize that it was wrong to separate children from rich and vibrant cultures and traditions that it created a void in many lives and communities, and we apologize for having done this. We now recognize that, in separating children from their families, we undermined the ability of many to adequately parent their own children and sowed the seeds for generations to follow, and we apologize for having done this. We now recognize that, far too often, these institutions gave rise to abuse or neglect and were inadequately controlled, and we apologize for failing to protect you. Not only did you suffer these abuses as children, but as you became parents, you were powerless to protect your own children from suffering the same experience, and for this we are sorry.

The burden of this experience has been on your shoulders for far too long. The burden is properly ours as a Government, and as a country. There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the Indian Residential Schools system to ever prevail again. You have been working on recovering from this experience for a long time and in a very real sense, we are now joining you on this journey. The Government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the Aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly.

Nous le regrettons
We are sorry
Nimitataynan
Niminchinowesamin
Mamiattugut

In moving towards healing, reconciliation and resolution of the sad legacy of Indian Residential Schools, implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement began on September 19, 2007. Years of work by survivors, communities, and Aboriginal organizations culminated in an agreement that gives us a new beginning and an opportunity to move forward together in partnership.

A cornerstone of the Settlement Agreement is the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Commission presents a unique opportunity to educate all Canadians on the Indian Residential Schools system. It will be a positive step in forging a new relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, a relationship based on the knowledge of our shared history, a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together with a renewed understanding that strong families, strong communities and vibrant cultures and traditions will contribute to a stronger Canada for all of us.

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News Release

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

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

June 12, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

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

Michael Horgan, currently Deputy Minister of the Environment, becomes the Government's nominee for the position of Executive Director for the Canadian, Irish and Caribbean constituency at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., effective August 1, 2008, to replace Jonathan Fried, who is awaiting a diplomatic appointment.

Ian Shugart, currently Associate Deputy Minister of the Environment, becomes Deputy Minister of the Environment, effective August 1, 2008.

Margaret Biggs, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, (Plans and Consultation), Privy Council Office, becomes President of the Canadian International Development Agency, effective July 1, 2008.

Stephen Rigby, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, becomes President of the Canada Border Services Agency, effective August 1, 2008.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank Alain Jolicoeur, President of the Canada Border Services Agency who is retiring from the Public Service, for his dedication and excellence in serving Canadians over the years.

As well, the Prime Minister thanked Keith Coulter, Commissioner, Correctional Service of Canada, who is retiring after a very distinguished career in the Canadian Forces and in the Public Service, for his remarkable performance in leading institutions and protecting Canadians.

Finally, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the valuable contribution made by Robert Greenhill, who is leaving the public service as President of the Canadian International Development Agency, to take on the role of Managing Director and Chief Business Officer of the World Economic Forum in Geneva.

The Prime Minister extends his best wishes for great success in their future endeavours to Mr. Jolicoeur, Mr. Coulter and Mr. Greenhill.

Biographical notes attached.




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MICHAEL HORGAN

Education

Master of Economics, Queen's University
Master of Economics, Princeton University
Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Concordia University

Professional Experience

Since May 2006
Deputy Minister of the Environment

2003 - 2006
Deputy Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

2001 - 2003
Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Finance

1999 - 2001
President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

1998 - 1999
Executive Vice-President and Associate Deputy Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

1996 - 1998
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Intergovernmental Policy and Communications, Privy Council Office

1992 - 1996
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Priorities and Planning, Privy Council Office

1991 - 1992
Director, International Economic Analysis Division, International Trade and Finance Branch, Department of Finance

1990 - 1991
Director, Economic and Policy Analysis, Environment Canada

1987 - 1990
Tax Policy Officer; Chief, Strategic Planning, then Assistant Director, Sales and Excise Tax Division, Department of Finance




IAN SHUGART

Education

Bachelor of Political Economy, University of Toronto

Professional Experience

Since September 2006
Associate Deputy Minister, Environment Canada

2005 - 2006
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Policy Branch, Health Canada

1999 - 2004
Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Policy Branch, Health Canada

1997 - 1999
Visiting Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Protection Branch, Health Canada

1993 - 1997
Executive Director, Medical Research Council

1991 - 1993
Assistant Secretary, Social Policy and Programs Branch, Federal-Provincial Relations Office

1989 - 1991
Chief of Staff to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources

1984 - 1989
Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of National Health and Welfare

1982 - 1984
Policy Director, Office of the Leader of the Opposition

1980 - 1982
Constitutional Policy Advisor, Office of the Leader of the Opposition

1979
Administrative Secretary to the Premier's Advisory Committee on Confederation, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs of the Government of Ontario




MARGARET BIGGS

Education

Master of Arts, International Affairs, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of British Columbia

Professional Experience

Since May 2006
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Plans and Consultation, Privy Council Office

2002 - 2006
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Priorities and Planning, Privy Council Office

2000 - 2002
Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Investment Programs, Human Resources Development Canada

1998 - 1999
Associate Executive Head, Strategic Policy, Human Resources Development Canada

1996 - 1998
Special Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Human Resources Development Canada

1995 - 1996
Research Fellow, Canadian Policy Research Networks

1991 - 1994
Director General, Social Policy (previously with National Health and Welfare), Human Resources Development Canada

1989 - 1991
Special Advisor to the Executive Director, Immigration Policy, Department of
Employment and Immigration

1986 - 1987
Privy Council Officer, Privy Council Office

1976 - 1985
Director of Research / Research Officer, North South Institute

1983 - 1987
Energy Economist, Energy and Resource Programs Division, then Senior Economist, Economic Development Division, Department of Finance

1981 - 1982
Executive Assistant to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (Energy), Energy, Mines and Resources Canada

1978 - 1981
Energy Economist, Energy and Resource Programs Division, Department of Finance




STEPHEN RIGBY

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration (Honours), Carleton University

Professional Experience

Since March 2008
Associate Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs

2006 - 2008
Executive Vice-President, Canada Border Services Agency

2005 - 2006
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Security and Intelligence, Privy Council Office, and then Acting National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Privy Council Office

2003 - 2005
Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Planning Branch, Canada Revenue Agency

2001 - 2003
Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Commissioner, Finance and Administration Branch, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

1999 - 2001
Assistant Commissioner, Corporate Affairs Branch, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

1997 - 1999
Director General, Corporate Affairs Branch, Revenue Canada

1995 - 1996
Director, Corporate Development, Corporate Affairs, Revenue Canada

1992 - 1995
Director General, Corporate Planning, Revenue Canada

1990 - 1992
Director, Program Resource Analysis, Corporate Planning, Customs and Excise

1980-1990
Various positions, Customs and Excise

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