QUESTION PERIOD
February 17, 2017

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Mr. Len Webber (Calgary Confederation, CPC):

Mr. Len Webber (Calgary Confederation, CPC): Madam Speaker, my friend, Neil Bantleman, faces 11 years behind bars in Indonesia. Indonesia’s justice system has accused him of a crime that is unfounded and unwarranted. A year ago, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) claimed that he was, “deeply concerned and dismayed by the court’s decision”. Since then, nothing and Neil continues to languish in prison.

Why will the minister not give Neil, his family and friends hope and outline what action she is taking to bring Neil home?

Mr. Omar Alghabra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs), Lib.):

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my hon. colleague for his question and his ongoing work on behalf of Neil Bantleman. It is our government’s priority to see Neil Bantleman back home in Canada as a free man. Our government reiterated that concern with the Indonesian government at the highest level.

Our officials and myself have been engaged with this family. We are working with his legal team and his family throughout this judicial review process. I want to take a moment to recognize the strength of his family and his friends, particularly his wife, Tracy, for her courage and her strength.

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