Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act
This legislative proposal would impose restrictive measures against foreign nationals, foreign states, and foreign entities that engage in hostage taking or arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.
The Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act is a legislative initiative co-authored by Secure Canada to enhance Canada's response to foreign hostage taking and arbitrary detention of Canadians and eligible protected persons abroad.​
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It was introduced by Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman in September 2023 as Bill C-353, a few short weeks before the brutal hostage taking on October 7 in southern Israel. Bill C-353 successfully passed its second reading on June 5, 2024, and was subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development for further examination at the time of prorogation.
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With a new parliament sitting, Secure Canada will encourage the introduction of the bill again.
Why Does Foreign Hostage Taking Call for a
Legislative Solution?
How The Bill Works
Part 1
Empowers Canada to impose sanctions against foreign nationals, foreign states, and foreign entities that engage in, or are complicit in, the hostage-taking of Canadian nationals. The types of sanctions that would be available mirror those that Canada uses in its Magnitsky Act. ​​
Part 2
Provides a framework to ensure that the families of hostages receive consistent and reliable governmental support. ​​
Part 3
Encourages individuals to cooperate with the government of Canada to secure the release of hostages and detained individuals.