If you Only Read the Newspaper ONCE This Year, today is the day to pick up the Globe. Justice O’Connor’s report on the Arar Inquiry was released yesterday. In the Globe;

  • You will read how our government (we) let a Canadian Citizen down, leading to his torture.
  • You will read how the RCMP leaked misleading information to the media to confuse the issue.
  • You will read how he suffered AFTER arriving back in Canada - he was unable to find work as a professional Engineer, he was persecuted.

It’s a horrible story.

But then, you will read how the government has held itself accountable and responsible for what happened to Mr. Arar. They have started to TRY to right the wrongs. An inquiry has been held, specific mistakes have been outlined, and those that made them have been identified.

Do not get me wrong - what happened to Maher Arar is inexcusable. No amount of apologies or compensation can undo what happened to him. He is a citizen of Canada and he was let down.

However, I’m proud of our country for STARTING to try to make things right, no matter the reasons.

And if you believe that this would happen in any other country in the world - you’re wrong.

I may complain about our country a lot, but when I see small glimpses of good like this, it gives me hope for our future.