All things to all people

Justice Frank Iacobucci, as noted, has been tabbed as one of the eminent jurists who will arbitrate for the committee reviewing Afghan detainee documents. The NDP says the presence of Justice Iacobucci taints the process because he was previously under contract to the government to review documents on their behalf. The Liberals say transparency is ensured because they were assured Justice Iacobucci’s retainer has been terminated.

Justice Iacobucci was also previously tabbed by this government to conduct an inquiry into the torture of three Canadians overseas. In that case, Mr. Iacobucci’s findings were endorsed by the NDP public safety and national security critic Don Davies—"One of the most eminent jurists in our country," he said—but are presently being contested by this government.