Asked to comment on the August 14, 2009 Federal Court of Appeal ruling, which upheld an order that the federal government ask the United States to return Omar Khadr to Canada, CBA Past President Guy Joubert urged the government to refrain from appealing the decision before the Supreme Court of Canada. “We’re very pleased with the decision,” Joubert said. “We urge the Canadian government to ask for the repatriation of Omar Khadr immediately.”

In a 2-1 ruling, the appeal court held that Canadian officials violated section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as Canada’s international obligations by failing to protect Khadr’s rights when they questioned him to obtain information despite knowing that Khadr had been mistreated while in custody at Guantanamo Bay. The reasons for the decision are available online.

Lawyers slam Federal position on Canadians who face death penalty
Peter O’Neil, Europe Correspondent, Canwest News Service
The National Post, Sunday, August 16, 2009

Canadian Bar Association calls on Ottawa to accept Omar Khadr ruling
Peter O'Neil, Europe Correspondent, Canwest News Service
The Vancouver Sun, August 15, 2009

Lawyers must come to aid of rights commissions, CBA gathering told
Peter O'Neil, Europe Correspondent, Canwest News Service
The Vancouver Sun, August 15, 2009

[posted August 18, 2009]