Bill S-7 · 40th Parliament · Stephen Harper
Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act
An Act to deter terrorism and to amend the State Immunity Act
Government bill. Died when Parliament ended.
- IntroducedApril 20, 2010
- Debated in principleJune 16, 2010
- Studied by a committeeDone
- Passed its first chamberNov. 15, 2010
- Passed the second chamberNot reached
- Became lawNot reached
Leading supporters
Ranked by the part each played: who is responsible for the bill, who carried it, and who spoke for it most.
- Stephen HarperPrime Minister
- David TkachukSenate · Sponsor in the Senate
Who carries this bill
Arrows run from the person responsible to those who answer to them on this bill. The critic leads the Senate’s scrutiny and answers to no one on it.
What it set out to do
On 21 April 2010, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-7, An Act to deter terrorism, and to amend the State Immunity Act (Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act), in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-7 creates a cause of action for victims of terrorism allowing them to sue perpetrators and supporters of terrorism. It also amends the State Immunity Act to lift the immunity of those states that the Government believes are supporters of terrorism through a listing mechanism. The proposed legislation will allow any person who can demonstrate a real and substantial connection between their cause of action and Canada to sue in a Canadian court the foreign states that perpetrate and support terrorism. Plaintiffs can seek redress for terrorist acts committed anywhere in the world on, or after, 1 January 1985.
Summary by the Library of Parliament.
Where members stand
Votes and debate for this bill have not been read yet.
What the Senate tried to change
- adds safeguardsDavid TkachukAdds requirement to establish the list of foreign states within six months, mandates biannual reviews, and ensures removal from the list does not restore immunity for ongoing proceedings.Adopted · Nov. 16, 2010 · Senate record
How it changed on the way
Only laws are compared, introduced against passed.
How precisely it is written
The drafting has not been read yet.
Did it work?
Only laws in force for two years or more are checked.
Who lobbied on it
No lobbying registration naming this bill is loaded.
Stages and dates from LEGISinfo.