On Parliament Hill

Last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a $10.5 million secret payment to convicted terrorist Omar Khadr, and issued an apology saying Omar Khadr’s rights had to be defended.

Mr. Khadr pleaded guilty in 2012 to killing U.S. Delta Forces Sergeant Christopher Speer, so he could be moved to a Canadian prison. He later recanted the confession and is appealing the U.S. conviction.The secret nature of Prime Minister Trudeau’s deal halts all efforts to ensure Omar Khadr is required to pay this money to Sergeant Christopher Speer’s widow and two children. Our thoughts continue to be with Christopher Speer’s widow and family, who must relive their ordeal every time this issue comes up in the media.

What is upsetting to Canadians is that when a Canadian soldier is killed or injured in battle the government provides a lump sum payment up to a maximum of $360,000. Despite this, the current government is willing to provide $10.5 million to a convicted terrorist who actively sought to kill Canadian and allied soldiers.

Shockingly, it would take the average Canadian – working full time and earning $50,000 per year – over 200 years to earn $10.5 million. How can Prime Minister Trudeau possibly defend his decision to the average hard-working Canadian who knows the decision is wrong?

Make no mistake; this secret payment is a choice, Justin Trudeau’s choice. And what this all adds up to is a slap in the face to the men and women in uniform who face incredible danger every day to keep us safe.

It is also a slap in the face to average Canadians who work hard to pay taxes and to provide for their families. We need a government that understands the price of a dollar, and how long it takes to earn it.