Cyber Trail

 On May 3, 2001, Joe Ferguson flips on his computer to begin working. Suddenly appearing in immigration documents on his monitor is a face he recognizes, Ayman al-Zawahri, second in command of the terrorist organization al Qaeda. The document reveals Ayman al-Zawahri is now living in West Van, an upscale community of Vancouver. The signature, Joseph P. Ferguson, is on the document – but that is impossible. Joe’s work in the department involves researching the requirements needed to fill positions where there is a shortage of qualified Canadians. The Immigration Department uses this information to locate properly qualified immigrants to fill these positions. Joe has never seen this file before and could never have signed any papers regarding this, or any other individual’s immigration to Canada. He copies the documents onto a computer disk intending to discuss this error with his superiors. As he watches, the screen begins to change. The photograph remains the same but the name of the terrorist changes to Mahmoud el-Hafnawi and the address changes to a location in Montreal, Quebec. Joe adds this information to the disk. The documentation disappears from his monitor as quickly as it appeared. Joe removes the disk from the computer and slips it into his pants pocket.

      This information really concerns Joe. ‘Who aided that terrorist to get into Canada?’ There are only fifteen people able to access his file name and these were illegal documents bearing his signature.

      “Good morning Fergie.”

      Joe freezes – then recognizing the voice, smiles and swivels around slowly in his chair.

      “Good morning Betty. Is there any news on the new grandchild yet?”

      “Yes. It’s a baby girl. They named her Elizabeth-Anne after both grandparents.” Betty places her hands on her hips and flicks her head flouncing her hair. “My name’s first.”

      Joe laughs at the antics of his friend.

      “It’s hard to believe you’re a grandmother – you’re so young and beautiful and vivacious.”

      “Now you know that’s not true Fergie… but keep on talking…. I just had to tell you about our new granddaughter before I started work.” Betty glances at her watch. “Woops, I’m late. I’ll join you for coffee.”

      Betty waves and bounces out the door.

      Joe is glad for the break Betty has afforded him. Her flamboyant attitude has helped dispel the shock and then the anger he’d experienced finding the terrorist file in his documents.

      Joe prints off the information he will require today and gathers some papers he no longer requires. At the office printer he collects the new material, then to the paper shredder to dispose of his scrap. Later that morning, a superior summons Joe to his office to further explain some information he has documented. Returning to his office he is offended to discover a man rifling through his paperwork.

      “What do you think your doing?”

      The man whirls around startled and Joe recognizes the Senior Official in the Immigration Department, Pierre Montague.

      “Who do you think you are, speaking to