I read with interests the straw man arguments put forward in the editorial Does end justify means? (by Cameron Kennedy, in Red Deer Advocate, Aug. 30). I am compelled to respond.
As I have stated on numerous occasions, our government does not condone the use of torture, and certainly does not engage in it. My directive to agencies responsible for the security of Canadians is clear. Their primary responsibility is to protect Canadian life and property, while at all times abiding by Canadian law. If we get a tip from any source that Canadian lives are in danger, we will act to save those lives. It’s clear the NDP would not.
Canadians find dithering in the face of making tough choices to save lives entirely unacceptable. That’s why the NDP is in opposition. They simply cannot be trusted on matters of security.
Vic Toews, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Public Safety
Ottawa