SoVote

Bill C-350

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

June 21, 2023

Bill C-350 is a proposed law that would amend three existing Canadian laws - the State Immunity Act, the Criminal Code, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. If passed, it would make it possible for Canadian courts to try a foreign state if it is believed to have supported torture or extrajudicial killings. It would also list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, subjecting its property to seizure or forfeiture. Finally, the bill would allow certain individuals who were members of certain organizations to enter Canada if certain criteria are met. The bill was introduced in June 2023 and is currently in its first reading.

The Combatting Torture and Terrorism Act makes necessary amendments to the State Immunity Act, the Criminal Code, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. By adding provisions to restrict the immunity of foreign states that have supported torture or extrajudicial killing, the Act allows for greater accountability and access to justice for victims of these heinous acts. Additionally, the Act lists the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a listed entity, subjecting its property to seizure, restraint or forfeiture under anti-terrorism provisions. Furthermore, the Act permits permanent residents or foreign nationals to be admissible to Canada, provided certain criteria are met. Overall, the Act provides greater protection to Canadians against terrorism and torture while promoting justice and accountability for these crimes.

Opposing argument: This bill is a violation of the principle of State Immunity and could harm Canada's foreign relations. State Immunity is a fundamental principle in international law that protects countries from being subjected to the jurisdiction of foreign courts. This bill would undermine the principle of State Immunity by allowing Canada to prosecute foreign states for acts committed outside of its borders. Such actions could lead to retaliatory measures, and damage Canada's relations with foreign countries, potentially leading to diplomatic and economic consequences. Moreover, some provisions of the bill, such as the inclusion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a listed entity, could be seen as politically motivated and based on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. Canada should focus on constructive engagement with foreign states to address human rights concerns rather than resorting to punitive actions that could