About TDH

Archived
Commentaries

Past Projects

FAQ

Links

Contact

January 29, 2004

The Martin government must be commended for finally initiating a full public inquiry into the Maher Arar case.  The designation of the "Martin" government is necessary, as Jean Chretien's unwillingness to make an investigation one of his final acts as Prime Minister was ill-advised and more importantly, flat out wrong. 

What makes this news so promising are two already designated parameters that will guide the investigation.  First, the appointment of Justice Dennis O'Connor is a solid choice to head up the probe, as his work on the Walkerton inquiry was thorough and groundbreaking.  Secondly, the government has shown good faith by offering to swear in opposition leaders with seats in Parliament to the Privy Council in order to give full access to all information that comes to light.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

The same kind of praise cannot be given to Paul Martin for his latest attempt at conciliation with Sheila Copps amidst the nastiness that has become Liberal nomination politics.

After Mr. Martin's hand was forced by neighbouring Hamilton MP Beth Phinney's offer to vacate her seat for Ms. Copps, the Prime Minister guaranteed Copps an uncontested nomination if she chose to accept.

The pledge is somewhat disingenuous after stating as late as last week that he was going to stay out of local nomination battles and let the constituents decide.  One can only assume that this hands off approach only applies when it is done away from the kind of intense media attention that has followed Ms. Copps since this whole squabble publicly erupted. 

Political observers can only wonder if Transport Minister Tony Valeri is as stressed as he was just a couple of weeks ago.

Comments? jonathan@tdhstrategies.com