Canadian consular officials struggle with whether to name tsunami victims

In the aftermath of the horrendous calamity that struck south Asia on December 26, 2004, Canadian officials are struggling with the question of whether it is in the public interest to release the names of missing and dead Canadians. According to the Toronto Star (Release of names an issue), the decision will be made today. Many countries have decided to keep names confidential out of respect for the families.

To date, the Foreign Affairs Minister has declined to name any Canadians who may be affected by the tsunami, citing the Privacy Act (The Globe and Mail: Four Canadians dead, 87 missing or unaccounted for).