BILL C-323
EMAIL YOUR MP
Dear Sir/Madam:
In our globalized world, it is imperative that the jurisdiction of justice reflects the borderless nature of modern day corporate and other entities. We must ensure that the rule of law applies across man-made borders.This prized and honourable goal can be achieved by passing Bill C-323, Act to Amend the Federal Courts Act (international promotion and protection of human rights). This Bill amends the Federal Courts Act to permit any person in the world to bring civil action against any company, entity or person for breaches of international human rights or international treaties to which Canada is a signatory that occur anywhere in the world.
In light of the human rights abuses, environmental and health disasters, and disregard for Indigenous rights that accompany some of the projects undertaken abroad, including those by our own Canadian companies, this Bill represents our determination to act on the promises we have made.
Bill C-323 demonstrates how respect for the rule of law and our international commitments can be implemented on the ground. It is essential for a truly just society.
I urge you to make my position known to the Prime Minister, the House of Commons, and the Minister of the Attorney General for Canada.
Please let me know what your position on this bill is. I look forward to your prompt reply.
Sincerely,
SIGN A PETITION
A PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
A CALL TO SUPPORT BILL C‐323
(THE INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACT)
We, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:
WHEREAS, it is essential that Canada maintain, promote and enhance its role in the international community as a country committed to uphold human rights and environmental sustainability worldwide;
WHEREAS, many multinational Canadian and foreign corporations face international condemnation for the practice of socially and environmentally destructive practices including:, forced displacement of communities, social conflicts, violent disruption of protests against unfair employment practices, poisoned local water sources, destruction of fresh water sources, farmlands and fisheries;
WHEREAS, successive Canadian Governments have not allowed Canadian legislation to keep pace with the new realities of growing needs for international accountability for the victims of international human rights and environmental violations, who lack the legislative and institutional framework to hold the perpetrators accountable;
WHEREAS, Bill C‐323 would provide Canada with a unique opportunity to lead the development of responsible international corporate standards;
WHEREAS, Bill C‐323 would provide international communities with the option to pursue legal recourse in Canadian federal courts, which would include clear violations of international human and environmental rights such as: degrading treatment, arbitrary arrest, kidnapping, infliction of emotional distress, genocide, war crimes, extrajudicial killing, slavery, torture, unlawful detention;
WHEREAS, Bill C‐323 would be a legitimate avenue to remedy human rights abuses, and increase global corporate accountability for human rights violations;
THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada to support Bill C‐323, the International Promotion andProtection of Human Rights Act, thereby creating a new civil cause of action that would allow the Canadian Federal Courts to hear and decide claims for violations of international law that occur outside of Canada, and allow non‐citizens to sue anyone for violations of basic human, environmental or labour rights when they are committed outside of Canada through the Canadian court system.