Andrew MacDougall’s article inappropriately politicises issues.

First, Gitmo.  The courts of Canada have clearly found that Khadr’s rights were violated by Canada’s Government over several years by its complicity in the lack of due process, torture and prolonged incarceration at this facility.  Regardless of what Khadr did before Gitmo or does in the future, it is clear that he deserves an apology (as would anyone so treated by our Government) for Gitmo.

Second, civil liability. Given these earlier court rulings, Khadr would unavoidably receive substantial damages (well above $10.5 million) in any further civil action.  It is a dereliction of duty for our Justice Department to tie up the courts at great expense for all concerned simply for political gain.  Further, refusing to settle on a cost saving basis would be a pointless added expense for Canada.