Journalist Mohamed Fahmy, released from Egyptian prison last month, back in Canada

Al Jazeera journalist Mohamed Fahmy, who was released from prison in Egypt last month after a presidential pardon, has returned to Canada, according to his Twitter feed.

Fahmy said while imprisoned, he received support from NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.

“While you here citizens in Canada and around the world clearly understood the urgency of the situation we faced in prison in Egypt, the Harper government did not”, Fahmy said.

While Fahmy acknowledged that many government officials were in Egypt working to free him, he believes Harper could have done more.

Meanwhile, Fahmy has sued Al Jazeera in B.C. Supreme Court, alleging that the Qatar-based network’s actions led to him being jailed in Egypt.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop met with President Sisi last week at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, where she reported that Egyptian authorities are favorably leaning towards considering a pardon for Greste. The other colleague was previously released.

Fahmy said other Canadian officials including the ambassador in Cairo were “diligent and well-intentioned”. “I felt humbled and safe seeing the kind and heartfelt vibes from the police officers and security at the airport who were extremely hospitable and recognised my face despite my attempts to keep my arrival quiet”. Fahmy said he made sure to come back to Canada amid the campaign because he feels it his responsibility to start a debate on the issue.

Fahmy said if that happened, he was “thankful” but he said Harper should have been “more transparent” about making such a call.

Fahmy has said he was not aware that Harper had called Egypt’s president.

He said both opposition leaders had tried to help as best they could during his long ordeal, while members of the Conservative government were unwilling to talk to him or his lawyers.

Fahmy was speaking publicly for the first time since returning to Canada at a news conference hosted by the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression in Toronto on Tuesday.

He has said he plans to take up a position as an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s school of journalism in Vancouver.

While he said he is excited to be in Canada during the elections and has been reading up on election topics such as Bill C-51, he stopped short of endorsing any particular candidate. He is also writing a book about his experiences.

With files from The Canadian Press.