Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act

October 4, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act:

“Canada has a strong reputation in the world as a country that holds clear and cherished democratic values and stands up for human rights.

“Today the House of Commons gave its unanimous consent to Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, along with amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

“Should Bill S-226 be passed by the Senate and receive royal assent, it will enable Canada to sanction, impose travel bans on and hold accountable those responsible for gross human rights violations and significant corruption. This will ensure that Canada’s foreign policy tool box is effective and fit for purpose in today’s international environment. It will also provide a valuable complement to our existing human rights and anti-corruption tools.

“I am delighted by today’s important progress and that these necessary changes have received cross-partisan collaboration and support. I would especially like to thank Senator Raynell Andreychuk, who has shown tremendous leadership in shepherding and sponsoring this legislation; Professor Irwin Cotler, a long-time advocate for this legislation; and the many Canadians who have supported these changes for years.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

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