What some people are saying about the Omar Khadr settlement and apology
OTTAWA — The Canadian government has settled a long-standing lawsuit by former Guantanamo Bay inmate Omar Khadr. Here is what some people have to say about it:
“My past: I’m not excusing it, I’m not denying it. We all do things that we wish we could change. All I can do right now is focus on the present and do my best to become a productive member of society, a good person, a good human being. Look at my actions and judge me on that.” — Omar Khadr
“The settlement that was announced today has to do with the wrongdoing of Canadian officials with respect to a Canadian citizen. It does not have to do with previous behaviour on the battlefield of Afghanistan. In the pursuit of justice and national security, governments must respect charter rights and human rights and the rule of law.” — Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale
“I hope Canadians take away two things today: First, our rights are not subject to the whims of the government of the day. Second, there are serious costs when the government violates the rights of its citizens.” — Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould