Following yet another case of a Canadian being unjustly detained in a foreign country, Liberal Consular Services Critic Dan McTeague called on the Harper government to apologize to Suaad Hagi Mohamud and review government policies to protect Canadians travelling abroad.
“Based on the information we have, Ms. Mohamud is owed an apology from the Harper government for being abandoned and denied due process,” Mr. McTeague said. “Enough is enough. Citizenship used to mean that we were protected by our government when we travelled abroad. What is the value of our citizenship under the Harper government if it no longer carries with it a promise of aid from our government should we land in distress?”
Yesterday, it was revealed through DNA testing that Suaad Hagi Mohamud is who she claims she is. This comes three months after Canadian officials in Africa rejected her passport – and all her other Canadian identification – without due process, claiming she was an imposter. Canadian officials gave her passport to Kenyan immigration authorities who facilitated her prosecution and imprisonment.
“Ms. Mohamud’s outrageous treatment cries out for the government to consistently apply a standard, coherent policy that Canadians can rely on when they travel the world,” said Mr. McTeague. “Under the Harper government, Canadians have no idea if they’ll be helped, hindered, ignored or denied due process. It’s got to stop.”
During more than three years in office, the Harper government has taken no action in regards to consular services, with the notable exception of adopting a controversial Conservative policy to no longer seek clemency for Canadians facing the death penalty in foreign countries.
“The government’s ill-advised action on consular files is having the effect of cheapening Canadian citizenship and endangering our citizens,” concluded Mr. McTeague.
