International Cooperation

International Instruments

On the international front, Canada works to ensure a consistent, comprehensive, co-ordinated international response to terrorism based on agreed common goals, norms, standards, values and institutions. Canada works with other countries in developing legal instruments , best practices and international standards.

Mutual Legal Assistance

The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (MLACMA) is Canada's domestic legislation for implementing Canada's mutual legal assistance treaties in criminal matters. The MLACMA may be applied in relation to requests submitted to Canada under bilateral treaties, multilateral conventions and special international arrangements. It may also be applied to requests made by a state or entity that is designated pursuant to the Act to being entitled to request Canada's assistance. The Act gives Canadian courts the power to issue compulsory measures in Canada or to gather evidence for a criminal investigation in a foreign state or entity. The Act allows for assistance to be provided at any stage of a criminal matter, from investigation to appeal.

Canada may also give assistance pursuant to letters rogatory (court issued non-treaty letter of request) and non-treaty requests. These requests do not engage the provisions of the Act and accordingly, more limited assistance is available for letters rogatory and non-treaty letters of request.

Extradition

The Extradition Act is applicable to all requests for extradition made to Canada. Extradition may be sought from Canada under the Act on the basis of (1) an extradition treaty between Canada and the state or entity making the request; (2) a multilateral agreement to which both Canada and the requesting party are signatories and which contains a provision on extradition; (3) a specific agreement entered into between Canada and the requesting state or entity with respect to a person or persons in a particular case; and (4) a general designation of the requesting state or entity as an extradition partner under the Act notwithstanding the absence of an extradition treaty. Canada extradites its nationals. Canada's extradition legislation is applicable to both terrorist related offences and other crimes.

International Obligations

Canada has significant international obligations in combating terrorism, which are outlined in the instruments to which Canada is a party.