A Peace Country Tory MP has expressed deep concerns about reports regarding Omar Khadr.
Chris Warkentin rises during Question Period in the House of Commons. (Photo/Canadian Press)
Earlier this week, reports leaked out that the Trudeau government is set to offer an apology, as well as $10.5-million in compensation, to Khadr for alleged abuses he suffered while being detained at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay more than a decade ago.
In an email release, Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin says it’s one thing to acknowledge the alleged mistreatments. But, he adds that it’s quite another to award millions of dollars of Canadian taxpayer money to a convicted terrorist who also killed an allied soldier.
“Canadians know this is wrong” said Warkentin. “Given Mr. Khadr’s admission of guilt, I believe that any settlement money should be given to Sergeant Speer`s widow and two children who are the true victims.”
Recent reports say Omar Khadr will get $10.5-million in compensation from the federal government. (Photo/CBC)
And according to recent news articles from both the Canadian and the Associated Press, that may actually happen.
The lawyer for the wife of Sargent Christopher Speer, the soldier Khadr allegedly killed, has filed an application at Ontario’s Superior Court to enforce a massive U.S. damages award against Khadr.
In June 2015, a judge in Utah ordered Khadr to pay the family $134.1-million in damages to the Speers, as well as about $900-thousand in legal costs.
Warkentin also pointed out that when a Canadian soldier is killed or injured in battle, the government provides a lump sum payment of up to $360-thousand.
“But despite this, Prime Minister (Justin Trudeau) appears willing to pay $10-million to Mr. Khadr, who actively sought to kill Canadian and allied soldiers, murdered one U-S soldier and permanently maimed another,” he said.
– Posted by BET
