The Supreme Court’s ruling against ordering the repatriation of Omar Khadr does not absolve the federal government of its responsibility to ensure Khadr’s return to Canada.
The Court’s condemnation of Canada’s complicity in Khadr’s detention and torture at Guantánamo Bay is unambiguous. In a unanimous ruling, the judges declared that Canadian officials violated Khadr’s right to life, liberty, and the security of the person as guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It’s time the government cease its stubborn opposition and respect Khadr’s rights as a Canadian citizen.
The court ruling may have left the task of conducting foreign affairs up to the executive, but they have cleared the only ethical route: repatriate Khadr now. Now it’s up to the Harper government to conduct foreign affairs in a manner consistent with the Charter and uphold the basic standards of human rights that most Canadians hold dear.
Ball’s in your court, Stephen.