Framework

1. PUBLIC CONSULTATION. This framework will be reviewed in a series of open, public assemblies held through March 2006.

2. The PEOPLE'S COMMISSION on Immigration Security Measures has been established in order.

   To investigate and report on the actions of Canadian officials and Canadian government bodies in relation to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) security certificate and other IRPA security measures, including:
   - equality of treatment of non-citizens;
   - the security certificate review process;
   - detention;
   - deportation;
   - and torture.

   and

   To make recommendations for appropriate legal or popular action against Canadian officials or organizations found responsible for abuses, and for changes to the current legal and procedural frameworks governing the issues investigated.

3. LOCATION and TIMING. The People's Commission will be based in Montreal. Parallel and supporting events will be held in other cities in Canada. The Commission will begin to work on 18 March 2006 and conduct Public Hearings on 21, 22, and 23rd April 2006. The final report will be published before the end of May 2006.

4. COMMISSIONERS. The People's Commission will be conducted by no more than 12 Commissioners who are accountable to communities who have been directly or indirectly affected by IRPA security measures. The Commissioners will draw on the work of a support team of researchers and writers.

5. PROCEDURES AND METHODS. The Commissioners will conduct the inquiry according to procedures and methods which are fully transparent and meet popular expectations of fairness and credibility.

6. EXPERTS and WITNESSES. The Commissioners may invite any witness or expert they believe to be appropriate to testify during the public hearings, or to submit written evidence.

7. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Any member of the public who wishes in good faith to give evidence or question witnesses can do so in one of three ways: by applying to make a formal intervention during the public hearings; by making an intervention at the public hearings during a period set aside for open participation; or by making written or recorded submissions prior to the public hearings, according to an accessible and transparent submission process. Where resources and time constrain participation, the Commissioners will give priority to those who are more directly affected by the issues under inquiry. Commissioners will have discretion to reject submissions and interventions which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, have not been made in good faith. All efforts will be made to support the capacity of individuals and organisations who wish to make such submissions and interventions, and to address barriers to full and equal participation with respect to language, gender, age, class, formal education, financial means, legal status, security of self and family, mobility and all other relevant barriers.

8. TRANSPARENCY OF EVIDENCE. Within constraints of available resources, all efforts will be taken to ensure that the public hearings are accessible, with concrete measures to address barriers to full and equal access, as above (7). All written submissions under consideration will also be made as broadly accessible as resources permit.

9. SECURITY OF WITNESSES. Where the security of an expert witness or public participant may be compromised by their participation, or that of their families, the Commissioners will ensure that their identities remain confidential.

10. FINAL REPORT. The Commissioners will compile a final report of their findings and recommendations in English and French, which will be translated into as many languages as resources permit, and made widely available.