Privacy commissioner, IATA face subpoenas in Air India probe

Ottawa: The head of the Air India inquiry is again wielding the big stick of his subpoena power to persuade reluctant witnesses to appear before him - and this time one of his targets is Jennifer Stoddart, the federal privacy commissioner.
Former Supreme Court justice John Major expressed irritation Wednesday that Stoddart had given a "freewheeling press interview" on the subject of air security but had failed to testify so far at his hearings.
"She apparently had no hesitation in giving information to the public and the press that should properly have been given to this commission when the opportunity presented itself," said Major.
He announced a subpoena had been issued to compel Stoddart's attendance but Kris Klein, counsel for the privacy commissioner, said the paper hadn't officially been served yet and insisted it wasn't really necessary.
Stoddart and other officials in her office are "prepared to co-operate in any way (Major) wants us to," Klein said in an interview. Stoddart herself was en route to Beijing on business and couldn't be reached.
Major also announced he had issued a subpoena to the International Air Transport Association, which had earlier offered to provide written material on some security issues but balked at sending anyone to testify in person.
"They seem to be of the view that it is for them to decide what the important questions are and not for the commission and counsel associated with it," said Major.
Steve Lott, a spokesman for IATA, attributed the dispute to a "misunderstanding" and said the organization was now ready to be "fully co-operative."
Inquiry lawyers said Robert McGeorge, counsel for the association, would appear at hearings Thursday to explain further and work out a timetable for IATA officials to testify.
13/06/07 Jim Brown/Canadian Press/Canada.com, Canada

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Categories: Air India Jun 2007, Foreign Jun 2007, Safety Jun 2007