Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

Public Safety Minister Toews and Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Kenney commend the CBSA and CIC on the removal from Canada of convicted murderer Elvir Pobric

Calgary, Alberta, June 23, 2010 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today made the following statement regarding the successful removal from Canada of Elvir Pobric.

Pobric was removed under Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) escort on June 21, 2010. He is now in the custody of Bosnian authorities where he is wanted for escaping lawful custody for two murder convictions in Bosnia Herzegovina.

"We welcome the news that this murderer has been removed from Canada and is in the hands of the appropriate Bosnian authorities. Our government remains committed to ensuring our communities are safe, and that Canada does not become a safe haven for fugitives trying to escape justice," said Minister Toews.

Minister Kenney added: "The removal of illegal immigrants, particularly violent foreign criminals such as Pobric, is key to maintaining the integrity of Canada's immigration system and to protecting those who live in this country lawfully. I applaud the work done by CBSA officials that ultimately resulted in Pobric's removal."

It is thanks to information received from the public that Pobric was arrested on April 28, 2009 in Calgary. While he came to Canada in 1999 and was originally granted refugee protection, the CBSA intervened and issued a deportation order against him.

The CBSA works closely with its domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure that inadmissible persons are apprehended and removed as soon as practicable.

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Anyone with information about an individual in Canada unlawfully is encouraged to call the CBSA's Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.

For media information:
Lisa White
Communications Officer
Canada Border Services Agency
403-292-4011