Bill C-353, also known as the Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act, aims to give the Canadian government more power to respond to hostage-taking and arbitrary detention of Canadians and eligible protected persons abroad. It allows the government to impose restrictions on foreign nationals, states, and entities involved in these acts. The bill also focuses on supporting the families of those held hostage or detained and encouraging cooperation to secure their release.
To achieve these goals, the bill allows the Governor in Council to make orders and regulations to restrict or prohibit certain activities related to these foreign actors. This includes dealing with their property, financial transactions, providing services, and making property available to them. The government can also seize or restrain property in Canada owned or controlled by these individuals or entities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs can issue permits to allow certain activities that would otherwise be restricted.
If property is seized, a judge can order it to be forfeited to the Canadian government. The money from these forfeited properties can be used to compensate the hostages or detained individuals, or their families. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is also required to provide timely information and assistance to the families of those affected, including advice, guidance, and directing them to appropriate supports and services. The bill also allows the Minister to establish programs to encourage people to cooperate with the government in securing the release of hostages and detained individuals, potentially offering monetary rewards for critical information.
Furthermore, the bill makes related changes to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These changes aim to strengthen Canada's ability to address these issues and provide support to those affected. The bill includes a review process to assess its effectiveness within 10 years of its enactment.
Spending
This bill allows the Minister to pay out of the Proceeds Account to compensate hostages or detained individuals. It also states that any costs incurred by His Majesty in right of Canada in relation to the seizure or restraint of property are the liability of the owner of the property.
Crime
The bill addresses hostage taking and arbitrary detention. It creates offences for contravening orders or regulations made under the act, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines.