AI probe raps official for press interview

The head of the Air India inquiry has asked Canada's privacy commissioner to explain why she gave a media interview criticising a no-fly list, which is to be implemented in the country from next week.

Privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart, who had previously told the commission she had nothing to add to information her office had provided, last week commented on previous inquiry testimony about the implementation on June 18 of a no-fly list, under which people who pose 'an immediate risk to aviation security' will be barred from flying.

'She (Stoddart) apparently had no hesitation in giving information to the public... that should have properly been given to this commission," a clearly disgruntled Justice John Major observed on Wednesday.

In what Major called 'Ms Stoddart's free-wheeling press interview,' she suggested that the list could become a nightmare for ordinary Canadians, who could end up being challenged every time they fly.
 
The inquiry is investigating the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people.

Part of the inquiry's mandate is to take a wider look at evolving terrorist tactics, and the need to reform security practices to prevent another attack.

As the inquiry resumed on Wednesday after a week-long break, Major also issued a subpoena requiring representatives of the International Air Transport Association to appear before him.