The geek with a cynical view

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Pauline Marois info

Pauline Maroishttp://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Maroisborn 29 March 1949 in Quebec , Canada ,) is a politician in Quebec . She has held several ministerial positions in the governments of all the Parti Québécois in 1981. After two unsuccessful attempts in 1985 and 2005, she became the 26 June 2007 , the first woman to be leader of the Parti Québécois . The 24 September 2007 , she was elected a member of the riding of Charlevoix and re-elected on 8 December 2008 . She is the third woman to hold the post of Deputy Prime Minister of Quebec after Lise Bacon and Monique Gagnon-Tremblay .

Summary

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Biography [ edit ]

Daughter of Gregory Marois and Marie-Paule Gingras, Pauline Marois is the eldest of five children. She grew up in modest circumstances - his father was a mechanic in a garage in Quebec - in Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon (now incorporated Lévis ), on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River , oppositeQuebec . All children in the family have a university education, which meant a lot to their parents.

She holds a bachelor's degree in social work (B. Serv. soc.) of the Université Laval (1971) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from theGraduate School of Business of the University of Montreal (1976).

She is married since 1969 to Claude Blanchet , with whom she had four children. Mr. Blanchet was president of the Societe Generale funding between 1997 and 2003.

Activist in the early days of the Parti Québécois , Pauline Marois was briefly press officer of Jacques Parizeau , who was one of his teachers at HEC. She left the position after six months, in March 1979, considering we do "not use it at the height of his talent," she confided later biographer Jacques Parizeau,Pierre Duchesne ^one . She then became Chief of Staff to the Minister for Women, Lise Payette , in November 1979. The biographer of René Lévesque, Pierre Godin, says Pauline Marois hesitated before accepting the position because she was not feeling particularly feminist . "With me, you'll become" , had then responded Minister Payette ² .

First political career [ edit ]

Seven months pregnant, Pauline Marois reluctant to engage in active politics. She finally convinced her husband René Lévesque and ³ , and is a candidate in the riding of La Peltrie in the region of Quebec . She was elected with a comfortable majority of 5,337 votes over his Liberal opponent ⁴ onApril 13, 1981 . She gave birth to her second child 11 days later, on April 24 ⁵ .

She goes immediately to the Council of Ministers , first as head of the Status of Women, 30 April 1981 to 29 November 1983 , and for four months in1985 . She was then promoted to Vice-President of the Treasury Board on 9 September 1982 , and became Minister of Manpower and Income Security, in the reshuffle of November 1983 ⁶ .

This sign, 9 November 1984 , the "letter of the twelve" , in which half of Ministers Lévesque government oppose the strategy of " beau risque " the Prime Minister and demand that sovereignty is at the heart of the campaign the following year. However, it does not join seven signatories resign his colleagues at the end of the month ⁷ .

Departure of René Lévesque, she has to run for the leadership of the Parti Québécois , despite an unfavorable survey ⁸ . After a campaign where she is promoting full employment and sovereignty ^nine , she finished in second place with 19.7% of votes ¹⁰ but expressed satisfaction and ready to continue its commitment.

Defeat in La Peltrie at the Quebec general election of 2 December 1985 , she continued her involvement in the national executive of the Parti Québécois, while militant within feminist organizations. She is treasurer of the Federation des femmes du Québec and acts as a consultant to the company Elizabeth Fry , an organization that helps women prisoners and ex-prisoners ⁶ .

Like Jean Garon , Bernard Landry and Louise Harel , Pauline Marois disapproves of the strategy of "national affirmation" and ideological reorientation advocated by Pierre Marc Johnson . Noting that the PQ"must redefine its left lane" ¹¹ , she retired temporarily from the party leadership after the Congress of June 1987 to teach at the Université du Québec à Hull ¹¹ .

Despite some criticisms leveled against Jacques Parizeau, she accepts the offer of the new man becomes strong and sovereignty adviser in the program of PQ in February 1988 ¹² . She comes to the election in the riding of Anjou , June 20, 1988, but was defeated by 1147 votes ¹³ .

1994-2003 - Minister versatile [ edit ]

She returned to the National Assembly as a member of Taillon in 1989 and was re-elected in 1994 , 1998 and 2003 ⁶ .

Returned to power after the 1994 general election, Premier Jacques Parizeau assigned records both social - Department of Family - and economics - the Treasury Board, and after the referendum of 1995, the Department of Finance.

She held no less than 14 ministerial positions, including: Finance, the Education and Health . She also served for two years as Vice-Premier of Quebec ( 2001 - 2003 ).

It has, among others, gave birth to early childhood centers , managed file processing network of Catholic and Protestant denominational English and French - a provision dating from the Act of British North America from 1867 - two networks boards organized on a linguistic basis set and the full-day kindergarten.

In 2001 , after the departure of Lucien Bouchard , then Premier of Quebec , Bernard Landry does not waste time and harvest all the support. He was crowned leader, then prime minister. Pauline Marois misses his chance again. Bernard Landry will make his Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, a position she held until the defeat of the Parti Québécois in 2003 .

Until his interlude of full-time politician, she served as spokesperson for the official opposition in international relations following the reshuffle of the shadow cabinet of the Parti Québécois.

2005: Second campaign for the leadership of the Parti Québécois [ edit ]

In 2004 , seeking to provoke fate, Pauline Marois openly demand the departure of Bernard Landry then leader of the Parti Quebecois ¹⁴ . In 2005 , the latter resigned after being subjected to a vote of confidence where he obtained 76.2% support. Following this resignation, it officially launches and without waiting in the race for the leadership of the Parti Québécois in June 2005 . It is supported by Joseph Facal , Jonathan Valois , Maka Kotto and Marie Malavoy and twenty members of his party and the Bloc Québécois , a sovereignist party camped in Ottawa.

In case of victory, she promised to hold a referendum within six months to a year after the election of a PQ government, provided it is winning:

"This is a huge task that we have to do together to prepare to Quebec sovereignty, especially in the pass and win the referendum. It is not to hold a referendum any time tomorrow morning, it is taken into a winner ¹⁵ . '

She receives a lot of support outside of the Parti Québécois, such as the former President of the Federation of Nurses , Jennie Skeene , the former president of the CEQ , Lorraine Pagé , the writer Hélène Pedneault and the former President of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal, Léa Cousineau .

The week before the election, she received the support of Pierre Dubuc , a candidate in the race. The November 10 , Gilbert Paquette abandon the race and asked his supporters to vote for Pauline Marois.

The 15 November 2005 , it eventually loses the election with 30.56%, the two ^e position with 32,166 votes, while André Boisclair was elected with a majority of 53.68%. His dream of becoming Prime Minister of Quebec - and the first woman to become - he escapes again. It accepts the clear verdict and joins the new leader. It shows still satisfied with the campaign, but admits to being a little upset.

The 20 March 2006 , without bitterness, Pauline Marois announces that it leaves the active political life. This sudden departure caused some surprise since had just accepting the position of Critic International Relations. However, since January, the rumor that the imminent departure of tenor might occur. She retired after more than 25 years of public and political life, not without difficulty. However, she confessed in his resignation speech that "the heart is no longer" .

2007: Third campaign for the leadership of the Parti Québécois [ edit ]

Following the resignation of André Boisclair , the 8 May 2007 , Pauline Marois chooses to present itself in a possible run for the leadership of the Parti Québécois , the 11 May 2007 ¹⁶ . For her, it is a third attempt to become leader of the party.

The 13 May 2007 , Pauline Marois officially declared his candidacy ¹⁷ or eighteen months after its defeat in the race for the leadership of the Parti Québécois in 2005 . She wants to set aside the planned referendum and wants to change his approach a future country. She wants to change the whole program of the Parti Québécois to adapt it to the will of Quebecers.

Pauline Marois is the only person officially nominated for the estate of Andre Boisclair, its only potential rival ( Gilles Duceppe , Bloc Quebecois leader) having withdrawn one day after announcing his candidacy, probably convinced adverse consequences for the movement sovereignty of such a confrontation and perhaps perceiving a lack of sufficient support ¹⁸^,¹⁹ . Indeed, Pauline Marois has enjoyed a great amount of support from the first day of the announcement of his candidacy, both within the movement and PQ in the population (according to the first survey).

It receives support from political club SPQ-Libre ²⁰ . Also, she rallied almost all deputies of the Parti Québécois. She then made a statement indicating that it supports the thaw tuition ²¹ .

The 14 May 2007 , Pauline Marois attend a fundraising dinner Bloc Quebecois in Montreal and Gilles Duceppe to take this opportunity to assure him of our full support.

It officially became leader of the Parti Québécois, the closing of the nomination period, June 26, ²²^,²³ , is the only person who has filed the required signatures.

Since 2007: Back in active politics [ edit ]

Pauline Marois during a speech atRivière-du-Loup in 2009 .

The 13 August 2007 , Rosaire Bertrand , the Parti Quebecois , resigns as MLA for the riding of Charlevoix , on the eastern edge of the Greater National Capital . At the same time, it forces triggering an election , providing the opportunity to Pauline Marois can access the Quebec National Assembly . The same day the resignation of Rosaire Bertrand , Pauline Marois announces that it will be a candidate in this election ²⁴ .

In September 2007 , two days before the election, a controversy broke out when a reporter from The Gazette reveals that Ms. Marois and her husband own a residence located on former agricultural land, rezoning until, in 1991 , and on public land expropriated in 1978 for the extension of Highway 440 ²⁵ .

The 24 September 2007 , polling day, Pauline Marois is elected with 59.16% of the vote, becoming MP for Charlevoix ²⁶^,²⁷^,²⁸ . His main opponent, the ADQConrad Harvey, meanwhile obtains 37.04% of the vote. Swearing Pauline Marois took place on 11 October 2007 ²⁹ .

The 8 December 2008 , Pauline Marois is the leader of the official opposition in Quebec, at the head of the official opposition the highest since the Quiet Revolution, with 51 members elected to the National Assembly.

The 16 April 2011 , during the XVI ^th National Congress of the Parti Québécois, Pauline Marois gets more than 93.08% of approvals during the vote of confidence of the delegates support a bit stronger than those obtained in the past by Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchard ³⁰ .

Notes and references [ edit ]

↑ Duchesne, Pierre (2002). Jacques Parizeau, vol. 2: The Baron, 1970-1985 Quebec Amerique, Montreal. pp. 160-161.
↑ Godin, Pierre. (2001) René Lévesque, vol. 3: Hope and Sorrow (1976-1980) , Boreal, Montreal. pp. 530-531.
↑ Godin, Pierre (2005). René Lévesque, vol. 4: broken man (1980-1987) , Boreal, Montreal. p. 117
↑ Chief Electoral Officer of Québec, " General Elections. 1981, April 13 [ archive ] . " Retrieved July 19, 2007 .
↑ Katia Gagnon, " Pauline five times "in La Presse , May 19, 2007, p. A2 .
↑ ^{a , b and c} the Quebec National Assembly, " Pauline Marois [ archive ] ", 2007 .Retrieved July 19, 2007 .
↑ Duchesne, Pierre (2002), op. cit. , p. 493-502.
↑ Pollster Parti Quebecois, Michel Lepage, surveyed on their preference PQ in June 1985.Pierre Marc Johnson is ranked first with 67% support, followed by Bernard Landry with14% . Pauline Marois came a distant third with only 4 2% support. (Godin, Pierre (2005).op. cit. p. 494).
↑ Godin, Pierre (2005). op. cit. , p. 495.
↑ QuébecPolitique.com leadership race Parti Québécois [ archive ] . Accessed July 22, 2007.
↑ ^a and b Duchesne, Pierre (2004). Jacques Parizeau flight. 3. The Regent, 1985-1995 .America Quebec, Montreal. p. 47.
↑ Duchesne, Pierre (2004). op. cit. pp.. 84-86.
↑ Chief Electoral Officer of Québec. elections. 1988, June 20 (Anjou, Roberval) [archive ] . Accessed July 20, 2007.
↑ Raymond Breard, La Presse, May 31, 2007
↑ CBC . 2005 . " Referendum: Pauline Marois says his position [ archive ] " . Radio-Canada . September 9 . Online (accessed 12 March 2007 ).
↑ Robert Dutrisac and Hélène Buzzetti, " A battle of giants: Marois, Duceppe , "in Le Devoir , 12-13 May 2007 [ Full text [ archive ] (accessed 15 December 2008)] .
↑ Kathleen Lévesque, " Electroshock Pauline Marois "in Le Devoir , 14 May 2007 [ Full text [ archive ] (accessed 15 December 2008)] .
↑ Alexander Shields, " The Bloc members close ranks behind Gilles Duceppe , "in Le Devoir , 14 May 2007 [ Full text [ archive ] (accessed 15 December 2008)] .
↑ David Michel , " Like a phoenix , "in Le Devoir , 14 May 2007 [ Full text [ archive ](accessed 15 December 2008)] .
↑ Michel Corbeil, " The SPQ-Libre stands behind the new candidate , "in The Sun , 13 May 2007 [ Full text [ archive ] ] .
↑ Pednault, Steven, PQ opens the door to thaw , L'Express, 18 March 2008, available online [ archive ] May 10, 2012.
↑ CBC. Pauline Marois: it's official [ archive ] . June 26, 2007.
↑ Paul Roy, " Pauline Marois PQ leader "in La Presse , June 27, 2007 [ full text [archive ] ] .
↑ Antoine Robitaille, " Pauline Marois is present in Charlevoix , "in Le Devoir , 13 August 2007 [ summary [ archive ] (accessed April 6, 2009)] .
↑ ( in ) William Marsden, " How was built on public estate, farm lands , "in The Gazette , September 22, 2007 [ full text [ archive ] (accessed April 6, 2009)] .
↑ See also Quebec election of 2007 .
↑ Simon Boivin, " Marois wins the bet , "in The Sun , September 24, 2007 [ full text [archive ] (accessed April 6, 2009)] .
↑ Sylvain Desmeules, " Election in Charlevoix: a coronation without overflow , "in The Sun , September 25, 2007 [ full text [ archive ] ] .
↑ Norman Delisle and Canadian Press , " Marois sworn "in La Presse , October 11, 2007[ full text [ archive ] ] .
↑ Antoine Robitaille, " Fort confidence vote for Pauline Marois 'in Le Devoir , April 16, 2011 [ full text [ archive ] ]

Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Conservative government has quietly given Canada's national police force and the federal border agency the authority to use and share information that was likely extracted through torture.

The Conservative government has quietly given Canada's national police force and the federal border agency the authority to use and share information that was likely extracted through torture.
Newly disclosed records show Public Safety Minister Vic Toews issued the directives to the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency shortly after giving similar orders to Canada's spy service.
The government directives state that protection of life and property are the chief considerations when deciding on the use of information that may have been derived from torture.
They also outline instructions for deciding whether to share information when there is a "substantial risk" that doing so might result in someone in custody being abused.
CBC News contacted the public safety minister's office about the story, obtained by The Canadian Press, and asked if the government would use information obtained by torture.
"Our government does not condone the use of torture and certainly does not engage in it," said Julie Carmichael, the director of communications for Vic Toews. "The minister's directive is clear, the primary responsibility of Canadian security agencies is to protect Canadian life and property," she told CBC on Saturday. "At all times we abide by Canadian law." As key members of Canada's security apparatus, both the RCMP and border services agency have frequent and extensive dealings with foreign counterparts.
The directives are almost identical to one Toews sent last summer to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service — instructions that were roundly criticized by human rights advocates and opposition MPs as a violation of Canada's international obligations to prevent the brutalization of prisoners.
Each of the directives is based on a framework document — classified secret until now — that indicates the information-sharing principles apply to all federal agencies.
"The objective is to establish a coherent and consistent approach across the government of Canada in deciding whether or not to send information to, or solicit information from, a foreign entity when doing so may give rise to substantial risk of mistreatment of an individual," says the four-page framework.
Copies of the overarching principles and the Sept. 9, 2011, directives to the RCMP and border services agency were released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act.
As with the directive to CSIS, the instructions from Toews to the RCMP and the border agency apply to information sharing with foreign government agencies, militaries and international organizations.
They say Canada "does not condone the use of torture" and is party to international agreements that prohibit torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The directives add that "terrorism is the top national security priority" of the government and it is essential that the RCMP and border agency maintain strong relationships with foreign entities and share information with them, as well as with domestic agencies.

'Exceptional circumstances'

They say that in "exceptional circumstances" the RCMP or border agency "may need to share the most complete information in its possession," including information foreign agencies likely obtained through torture, "in order to mitigate a serious risk of loss of life, injury, or substantial damage or destruction of property before it materializes."
"In such rare circumstances, ignoring such information solely because of its source would represent an unacceptable risk to public safety."
The directives say that in most cases the Canadian organizations are responsible for establishing internal approval processes that are "proportionate to the risks" in sharing information with foreign agencies.
They also spell out procedures for information sharing when the risk of torture is "substantial" — meaning a "personal, present and foreseeable risk" based on something more than "mere theory or speculation."
The decision must be referred to the RCMP commissioner or the border services agency president when there is a substantial risk that sending information to, or soliciting information from, a foreign agency would cause harm to someone — and it is unclear whether the risk can be managed by seeking assurances that the material won't be misused.
In deciding what to do, the agency head will consider factors including:
— The importance to Canada's security of sharing the information;
— The status of Canada's relationship with — and the human rights record of — the foreign agency;
— The rationale for believing that sharing the information would lead to torture;
— The proposed measures to lessen the risk, and the likelihood they will be successful — for instance, the agency's track record in complying with past assurances and the ability of its officials to make good on them;
— The views of Foreign Affairs and other agencies.
The directives say the RCMP commissioner or border services agency president can refer the decision to the public safety minister, who may give the green light to share the information only in accordance with the directive and Canada's legal obligations.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

As Canadians remember former NDP leader Jack Layton on the one-year anniversary of his death, his widow, MP Olivia Chow, says the popular politician’s spirit and voice are still alive.

As Canadians remember former NDP leader Jack Layton on the one-year anniversary of his death, his widow, MP Olivia Chow, says the popular politician’s spirit and voice are still alive.
“I think his spirit is with everyone that wants to take up his torch to make his vision a reality,” Chow told CTV News Channel Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a public memorial service in Toronto, where Layton spent many years as a city councillor before turning his attention to federal politics.
“His voice is not with us, but it lives on,” Chow said.
The service at Nathan Philips Square in downtown Toronto featured speeches by Chow and Layton’s son, Toronto Coun. Mike Layton, as well as musical performances by a lineup of well-known artists including Raffi, Ron Sexsmith and Loraine Segato.
Layton’s ashes were interred in a private ceremony with friends and family earlier Wednesday.
Chow said she’s “very comforted and encouraged” by the messages of support she and her family have received since her husband’s death.
She remembered Layton as “a loving father and a loving husband” who adored his granddaughter Beatrice and maintained a very close relationship with his mother.
“He sees the goodness in everyone and that’s probably why so many people responded to his call to make a difference,” Chow said.
She later thanked the crowd at Nathan Philips Square and others across Canada “for making it possible to get through this very tough year.”
“There were difficult days and traumatic moments. I’ve experienced times that have tried me to the core,” she said. “And each of those times I have had the loving embraces of so many of you.”
She said Wednesday was “a day to remind ourselves of the values (Layton) taught us and a day to renew our commitment to continue his work.”
As people continued to scribble their condolences and messages for Layton’s family in chalk on a wall outside Toronto’s City Hall, Layton’s son Mike said he’s moved by the kind words from friends and strangers.
“These are really inspiring messages that make me feel really proud of the person he was as well as the politician he was,” Mike told News Channel.
“That’s given us a crutch to lean on. It’s really like they’re giving us a big hug and saying: ‘We’re there with you.’”
Earlier in the day on Parliament Hill, a vigil was planned at the site of the Centennial Flame.
An informal gathering to remember Layton is planned at the Lo Pub in Winnipeg, starting at 7 p.m. local time.
Similar events and gatherings are also planned in other cities across Canada including Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver.
In the months before his death, Layton cemented his national legacy as he took to the campaign trail, just weeks after undergoing hip surgery.
Cane in hand, he led the federal NDP to its best-ever result in the May 2011 election. Just three months after his NDP took on the role of Official Opposition for the first time in its 50-year history, he succumbed to cancer.
His death was met with an outpouring of public grief not seen since the death of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in 2000.
NDP finance critic Peggy Nash said that was a harrowing time emotionally, to go from the euphoria of election night to the crushing news of Layton's death.
"It's an unbelieveable story, and I think it brought our young caucus together in a way ... and also caused people to roll up their sleeves and decide 'We are not going to squander Jack's legacy," she said.
But on the anniversary of his death, Nash is taking time to remember her longtime friend and colleague as both an optimist filled with hope for the future and a pragmatist looking for ways to get things done.
"He was someone who always remembered people's birthdays," Nash added. "He liked to connect in a very personal way with people."
Ahead of this first anniversary of Layton's death, a Harris-Decima poll conducted for The Canadian Press found that 62 per cent on respondents feel those public tributes were genuine expressions of grief.
An overwhelming 91 per cent of the more than 1,000 Canadians polled by telephone between Aug. 2 and 5 said they believe Layton made a positive contribution to Canada.
Commenting from Toronto on Wednesday, NDP strategist Joe Cressy said Layton's fondness for "joy" rather than "vitriol" in his approach to politics resonated with voters.
In his view, Cressy said Layton's final political success has contributed to a new lifeline for the federal NDP.
"What Jack did was, he shattered the glass ceiling and the notion the NDP couldn't be winners, that you couldn't believe in good social policy and implement it," Cressy told CTV News Channel.
In that light, Cressy said Layton's most significant contribution may be yet to come.
"I think that's going to be Jack's greatest legacy: when Tom (Mulcair) becomes prime minister."
Canadians who would like to pay tribute to Layton, but cannot attend any of the events Tuesday, can leave their thoughts and comments on the website dearjack.ca

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/jack-layton-s-voice-lives-on-says-olivia-chow-1.924917#ixzz24OOGNUDG

Monday, August 20, 2012

24 new coast guard choppers : will see.

The federal government took a step Monday toward buying about two dozen helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard's fleet, although it will take years before the aircraft are in service.

The government posted on its MERX tendering website a letter of interest that is aimed at the aerospace industry.

It's the first of a series of steps that need to be taken to replace aging choppers in the coast guard's service.

The government intends to buy as many as 22 helicopters to replace aircraft that patrol coastlines around the country.

As well, two new helicopters are to be earmarked for work aboard the polar icebreaker John G. Diefenbaker.

The government said in a news release that it expects to take about five years to complete the procurement, which will also involve the purchase of a flight simulator.

Officials are expected to start meeting with industry soon on the scope of the project.

"Helicopter air support is a crucial component to the delivery of coast guard services and the maintenance of public safety," Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield said in a statement.

"Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will stimulate economic growth in the aerospace industry, as well as create a variety of jobs and business opportunities."

The new helicopters are expected to be in service for three decades.

The coast guard uses helicopters for several purposes, primarily to support the safety of marine traffic.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Quebecor / Péladeau family, Quebec Interesting media observation.

Interesting media observation. The one media organization that appears to actually want Quebec to separate is the Péladeau family, owner of Quebecor which is based in Montreal. If Quebec separates, Quebecor will lose all broadcast rights in Canada and all medial ownership rights and in the end lose a heck of a lot of money. What a way to bite the hand that feeds you.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada is preaching the need for improved access to justice

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada is preaching the need for improved access to justice for the public, particularly for civil and family matters.
Beverley McLachlin raised the issue on Saturday in a speech to the Canadian Bar Association's annual conference.
She said there are many issues preventing people from having their day in court, such a lack of judges, and the number of cases before the courts.
"I think that justice is something which every citizen - every person in Canada - is entitled to," McLachlin said after her speech. "(But) people have problems accessing the justice system."
"The cost and delay involved in litigation may prevent people who have legal grievances, who have suffered wrongs, from bringing those forward."
McLachlin said judicial leaders across the country must make an effort to ensure the court systems in their jurisdictions are running smoothly.
"Being able to access justice is fundamental to the rule of law."

Thursday, August 9, 2012

CSIS & Canada Border Services Agency breaching lawyer-client privilege

Toronto lawyer says he was shocked to learn that intelligence officials were intercepting his phone calls with two clients who had been labelled national security threats.
Rocco Galati told The Canadian Press that he had a long-standing hunch that his calls with Mohamed Mahjoub and Mahmoud Jaballah were being monitored, but was stunned to find evidence that his suspicions were true.
"I couldn't believe the degree to which the judicial process had been corrupted," Galati told CP outside Federal Court on Wednesday.
Mahjoub and Jaballah are the recipients of separate national security certificates, which allow the government to detain or remove foreign nationals who “pose a serious threat” to Canada.
Lawyers for Mahjoub have returned to court in an effort to prove that security officials breached their client’s privilege to communicate privately with his legal team.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service admitted to listening in on Mahjoub's calls with his lawyers in 2008, but only to monitor his bail conditions.
A judge swiftly ordered an end to the practice after Mahjoub’s lawyers argued that their client never agreed to waive solicitor-client privilege, which guarantees him access to confidential communication with his lawyers.
Now, Mahjoub’s lawyers say they’ve obtained information that proves CSIS and the Canada Border Services Agency have been intercepting communication between Mahjoub and his lawyers all along.
Mahjoub was arrested in June 2000 after the federal government labelled him a threat to national security, alleging he was a high-ranking member of a terrorist group. Since then, he has spent more than a decade in prison or under house arrest without charge.
Mahjoub’s lawyers appeared in a Toronto courtroom on Wednesday to present evidence that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) violated solicitor-client privilege.
“We’ve received documents from the Department of Justice that includes information they simply could not have had without illegal access to confidential conversations between Mr. Mahjoub, his family and his lawyers,” Lawyer Yavar Hameed said in a prepared statement.
Court was expected to hear conversations that were allegedly obtained illegally.
Galati, who specializes in cases related to terrorism, appeared on the witness stand to testify about his correspondence with Mahjoub.Galati represented Mahjoub between 2000 and 2003.
Complicating matters, CSIS was forced to reissue Mahjoub’s security certificate after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the certificate process was unconstitutional in 2007.
Mahjoub, a Toronto resident and father of three, is fighting to have the certificate revoked.
But what started as a quest to clear his name has branched off into a multifaceted case, touching upon the ethics of security certificates and the validity of information derived by torture.
Documents obtained by the Canadian Press show CSIS was aware that most of the information it used to brand Mahjoub as a security threat was obtained by agencies linked to torture.
Last summer, Federal Court Justice Edmond Blanchard ordered 11 federal lawyers and assistants off of the case after the government inadvertently took Mahjoub’s confidential legal files.
Mahjoub’s lawyers argued that the incident damaged their client’s right to a fair trial, accusing Ottawa of violating both solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege, which prevents premature disclosure of documents that may be used in a court case.
After the document seizure, Blanchard would not stay proceedings, noting that the incident “although negligent, was unintentional.” He did, however, say Mahjoub’s legal team could use the incident and subsequent delays to claim an abuse of process.
Recently, the Federal Court ruled that abstracts of wiretap information used against Mahjoub had to be tossed out because CSIS destroyed the original records.
Mahjoub, who is on release from prison, had his house-arrest conditions eased last February.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/csis-accused-of-breaching-lawyer-client-privilege-1.907476#ixzz234Lmiyfx