Justice for Victims of Terrorism

The Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act—and related amendments to the State Immunity Act— allows victims of terrorism to sue perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them, including listed foreign states, for loss or damage that occurred as a result of an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world.

The Act complements Canada's existing counter-terrorism measures, including the deterrence of terrorism, and is aimed at responding to the unique concerns of victims of terrorism while demonstrating Canada's leadership against those who support terrorism around the world.

The Act allows:

• victims of terrorism to sue the perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them in a Canadian court, including foreign states listed by the Government. Victims can seek redress for terrorist acts committed anywhere in the world from January 1, 1985 onwards;
• victims of terrorism to sue the perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them if the victims are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or if they can demonstrate a real and substantial connection between their claim and Canada; and
• for the suspension of statutory limitation periods. In other words, victims are not penalized if they were incapable of commencing an action within the normal limitation period because of physical, mental or psychological conditions, or when the victims were unable to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator of the act or those that supported them.

For more information, see:

• Order Establishing a List of Foreign State Supporters of Terrorism
  • Known Iranian state-owned property in Canada
• Terrorist Entities listed pursuant to the Criminal Code
• Legislative Summary: Enactment of the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act and Amendments to the State Immunity Act

Date modified:

2015-12-02