Omnibus crime bill would allow victims to sue terrorists

By Christine Duhaime | January 1st, 2012

Canada’s proposed Bill C-10 (also called the omnibus crime bill), if passed, would allow anyone who suffered loss or damage as a result of a terrorist act to bring an action to recover damages suffered by the person. Recovery is possible from any person, listed entity or foreign state provided there is a real and substantial connection to Canada, or the plaintiff is a Canadian. It will be the first such civil remedy available in law.

A defendant is presumed to have committed the terrorist act if the listed entity caused or contributed to the loss or damage and the defendant committed the act for the listed entity.

Bill C-10, known as An Act to enact the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act and to amend the State Immunity Act, the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and other Acts, or the Safe Street and Communities Act, has passed third reading in Parliament and will be vetted by the Senate over the next few months.

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