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Updates on Canada

31 Dec 2005

As a strong supporter of the Court, Canada’s cooperation agency facilitated aid to countries reviewing their domestic legislation and seeking to adopt Rome Statute implementing legislation. It also actively supported ratification processes in different regions.

On June 29, 2000, Canada became the first country to adopt comprehensive implementing legislation on the Rome Statute, providing for cooperation procedures and the exercise of jurisdiction over ICC crimes.

On 22 June 2000, the Canadian House of Commons (Parliament) completed the third reading of Canada's ratification bill and implementing legislation. On 6 June 2000, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade had completed a clause-by-clause reading of the legislation. This followed the second reading in the House, completed on 4 May 2000.

The implementing legislation, introduced on 10 Dec 1999, includes a new act replacing the current war crimes provisions of the Canadian Criminal Code with the crimes under the Rome Statute. The Act includes provision on the following: Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes; Offences of Breach of Command/Superior Responsibility. It also includes the following defences: Sentences and Parole Eligibility; Offences Against the Administration of Justice of the ICC; Proceeds of Crime Offences; Crimes Against Humanity Fund; Extradition; and Mutual Legal Assistance. By introducing comprehensive implementing legislation, Canada hoped to urge other states to do the same.