News Release NARCC Congratulates Mr. Arar and his Family on his settlement against the Federal Government January 26, 2007
The mistakes by the Canadian and U.S. government in the Arar case
are well documented. "It is therefore appropriate for Prime
Minister Stephen Harper to issue a formal apology on behalf of the
Government of Canada to Maher Arar and his family for the nightmare
that was inflicted upon them. Mirlande Demers, Vice-Chair of NARCC
said today. "The efforts of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and
federal government to discredit Mr. Arar after his return to Canada
demonstrated a remarkably casual attitude towards the plight of
a fellow Canadian. It would be more meaningful if the government
ensured that Mr. Arar and his family name is fully cleared",
she added. NARCC and other equality-seeking groups remain concerned about
racial profiling within our security institutions and the RCMP.
"Justice O'Connor's inquiry highlights the potential problems
faced by racialized group members in this post 9/11 security climate,"
Colleen Hua, NARCC Board member and National President of the Chinese
Canadian National Council added. "The federal Government must
act swiftly to hold those individuals responsible for Mr. Arar's
plight accountable for their careless and deliberate actions". NARCC calls on the federal Government to implement all of the recommendations
of the O'Connor Inquiry, and to act immediately to: Swift action of the federal government will restore the confidence
of racialized group members and all Canadians. NARCC also urges
all Canadians to continue to be vigilant in keeping a heightened
awareness and to reject violations of human rights. NARCC is a not-for-profit community based organization with over
120 members and 60 associates devoted to the elimination of racism
and other forms of related discrimination in Canada. -30- For further information please contact: Areas of Expertise: * Aboriginal Issues * Access & Equity Advocacy * Anti-Racism * Anti-Racist Education * Criminal Justice System * Disability Rights * Displaced Persons * Education * Employment Issues * Equal Rights * Equality Issues * Hate * Health Policy * Human Rights * Human Rights/Policy & Legislation * Immigration * International Affairs/Relations * Labour Issues * Law Enforcement * Law Reform * Media Ethics * Media Relations * Minority Rights * Multiculturalism * Policy Development * Policy Research * Poverty * Race Relations * Race Relations Education/Training * Race Relations & Policing * Race Relations/Racism * Racial Conflict in Schools * Racial Discrimination * Racism * Refugee Policy * Refugees * Social Justice Issues * United Nations * Visible Minorities * Youth/Racism Sources |