ARCHIVED - Backgrounder: Justice For Victims Of Terrorism Act

The Government of Canada is committed to fighting terrorism and to holding the supporters and perpetrators of terrorism accountable for their actions. The Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act complements Canada's existing counter-terrorism measures and is aimed at responding to the needs of victims, deterring terrorism and demonstrating Canada's leadership against perpetrators and supporters of terrorism around the world.

The Bill will allow victims of terrorism to sue the perpetrators and supporters of terrorism in a Canadian court. Plaintiffs can seek redress for terrorist acts committed anywhere in the world on, or after, January 1, 1985.

The proposed legislation allows victims of terrorism to sue the supporters of terrorism, including foreign states that the Government has listed as providing support to terrorist entities listed pursuant to the Criminal Code. There must be a real and substantial connection between the claim and Canada.

The Bill would give victims a cause of action against those who perpetrated or supported terrorism from January 1, 1985 onwards.  The Bill also includes a provision that would allow suspending limitation periods.  In other words, victims would not be penalized if they were incapable of commencing an action because of physical, mental or psychological conditions, or when the victim would be unable to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator of the act, or those who supported this perpetrator.

The Government of Canada is determined to take decisive steps to protect Canadians from the threat of terrorism. By tabling this legislation, the Government of Canada is sending a clear message that perpetrators of terrorism and their supporters will be held accountable for their actions.

Date modified:

2015-11-20