What is a Commission of Inquiry?
A Commission of Inquiry is established by virtue of a special act, called the Inquiries Act. It is designed to investigate and to report into any matter connected with the good government of Canada or the conduct of any part of its public business. It is not a trial. No one is charged with any criminal offence, nor is anyone being sued.
What is the Arar Inquiry looking into?
The Arar Inquiry’s mandate is twofold.
First, there is the factual inquiry. It is meant to investigate and report on the actions of Canadian officials in relation to Maher Arar during his detention in the United States, his deportation to Syria via Jordan, his imprisonment and treatment in Syria, his return to Canada and any other circumstance directly related to Mr. Arar that the Commissioner deems relevant to fulfill this mandate.
Second, there is what is referred to as the policy review.The Commissioner is to make any recommendation that he considers advisable on an independent, arm’s length review mechanism for the activities of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with respect to national security.
Where and when are the hearings taking place?
Two sets of hearings are to take place. The first set, the hearings for standing, have taken place on April 29 and 30, 2004 at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa, 2 Rideau Street at 10 a.m.
The public hearings that started on June 21, 2004 also took place at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa.
The Algonquin Room
Old City Hall
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario.
Are they open to the public?
Yes, the hearings are open to the public. They will also be covered by the national media so that all interested Canadians will have access to the findings of the Commission.
I can’t attend the hearings. How can I find out what’s happening?
Check our website regularly: www.ararcommission.ca. At the end of each day the transcript portion of the website will be updated, usually by evening. You will then be able to read every word of what took place at the inquiry that day.
I have information to give the Inquiry. How do I do that?
Anyone wishing to give information to the Inquiry may contact one the inquiry’s lawyers. They are listed under Commission Counsel on the Commission’s website. The law offers protection to witnesses to encourage them to come forward in public inquiries. Click here for the Rules of Procedure (PDF).
What will be the result of the Inquiry?
After all the evidence is heard and the submissions examined in both inquiries, Mr. Justice Dennis R. O’Connor, the Commissioner will write two reports that will be handed to the government. The reports will contain findings and recommendations. It will be up to the government to act on those recommendations.
