Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program

Over the past three decades, Canada has taken significant measures to help ensure that people who have participated or collaborated in the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide will not find a safe haven in Canada and avoid punishment. The Government has signed onto international treaties, strengthened federal laws, and created specialized units to investigate, prosecute or revoke the status of such individuals in Canada.

As early as 1987, the Department of Justice Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Citizenship and Immigration Canada were given specific mandates to take appropriate legal action against alleged Second World War crime suspectd believed to be in Canada.

In 1998, the Government expanded its war crimes initiative to modern (post-Second World War) conflicts. New legislation was adopted, criminal investigations and prosecutions resumed and civil proceedings continued against suspected modern-day war criminals. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) joined these efforts when it was created in 2003.

Canada's War Crimes Program is internationally recognized as being a highly effective inter-departmental initiative. The Government's continued commitment to the cause, and to cooperating fully with international organizations, has been central to Canada's success in holding war criminals accountable for their crimes.