Scheer blasts Trudeau on Omar Khadr, says repatriation should’ve been the end

Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer is demanding an explanation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, following the Liberal Government’s formal apology and settlement to former Guantanamo Bay inmate Omar Khadr.

Speaking in Calgary, Scheer said the reported $10.5 million settlement to Khadr is shocking.

“Make no mistake, this settlement is a choice made by Justin Trudeau and what’s worse, Justin Trudeau is hiding it from Canadians,” he said, calling it a slap in the face to Canadian soldiers.

“It’s one thing to acknowledge alleged mistreatment, but the Liberals have rushed to make this payment, effectively ensuring Tabitha Speer would not have the opportunity to have her claim heard,” he said.

The Canadian-born Khadr was captured at the age of 15 after a firefight in Afghanistan in 2002, after allegedly killing U.S. solider Chris Speer by throwing a grenade.

He was transported to Guantanamo Bay and was subjected to reported sleep deprivation and solitary confinement.

As part of a plea deal in 2010, he pled guilty to charges that included murder and was eventually returned to Canada, later denying any role in killing Speer.

Khadr’s camp has won several legal victories arguing his Charter rights were breached, including at the Supreme Court level.

Scheer pointed out the ordeal began under the Liberals and repatriation should’ve been the final result.

“The Supreme Court while acknowledging that Canadian officials acted improperly, did not speak to remedy,” he said. “The fact that he is in Canada today is the remedy, is the compensation for what happened to him.”

Khadr’s attorney Dennis Edney said in a statement that Khadr was abandoned in a hellish place for 10 years under the Conservative government and called some of the party’s recent comments hateful.

“After more than a decade of Ottawa failing its moral and legal obligations to defend Khadr’s human rights, prime minister Trudeau has made a formal apology and financial settlement. He is to be congratulated in taking such a principled step, despite the hateful comments from others, including members of the former Harper administration,” Edney said.

But the Conservative Leader dismissed any criticism of his party’s action during the Harper era.

“When the Supreme Court issued its ruling, the previous Conservative government repatriated Omar Khadr,” he said. “That’s where this story should’ve ended.”

Scheer was asked several times if he personally considered Khadr to be a child solider, but referred to international legislation instead of giving a personal opinion.

“Those types of definitions are set in conventions and treaties that Canada signs onto, they’re not subjective, they’re objective criteria,” he said. “But even here in Canada often, young offenders who commit heinous crimes are treated as adults.”

Scheer was also asked if there’s any possible action the opposition could take regarding the settlement or if his reaction was simply taking a stand.

“Clearly this decision has been in the works for quite some time,” he said, saying the fact this has happened with the House of Commons sitting speaks to Trudeau’s lack of transparency. “We are speaking out on behalf of Canadian taxpayers, I’m speaking out today on behalf of all those who have lost loved ones in theatres of combat and past conflicts.”