Aaah! This is tremendous John. Thank you very much!
After I sent out the email re Bush and the ICC, I was kicking myself:
– this is an issue for the RCMP, for law enforcement. The security forces should be stepping up to the plate.
I’ll put this out to everyone. This info is better than anything I would have come up with.
“Canada’s program on crimes against humanity and war crimes upholds the Government of Canada’s policy that Canada is not a safe haven for anyone involved in crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide”
“Anyone who has Information concerning persons in Canada who may have participated in or conspired in the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity are invited to report their concerns to the nearest office of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or reply directly to this section (of the RCMP) by telephone at …”
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CONTENTS
(1) YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS SOMEONE IN THE RCMP
(2) CANADA’S PROGRAM ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND WAR CRIMES
(3) RCMP WAR CRIMES AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
(4) MY LETTER TO THE RCMP
(5) NEWS STORY MARCH 5, CANADA SHOULD BAR OR PROSECUTE BUSH, FOREIGN AFFAIRS STAYS SILENT
(6) WHO IS SPONSORING THE BUSH VISIT?
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(1) YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS SOMEONE IN THE RCMP
You know someone, or someone connected to someone in the RCMP, or that works in security. They should see the information below from government websites: (2) CANADA’S PROGRAM ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND WAR CRIMES and (3) RCMP WAR CRIMES AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM.
Earlier, regarding the Encana pipeline incidents near Dawson Creek (Tomslake), I contacted the RCMP and was referred to the superintendent for terrorist activity in B.C. I emailed him: it is natural and right for people to defend their children and land from poisoning that leads to disease and death. The large corporations create the terrorism by poisoning with impunity. The Government creates the terrorism through its failure to enforce regulations to protect land, air and water. And the RCMP and security forces then become the tools of the large corporations as they seek “the terrorists” in the wrong places. Root out the people in government and in the large corporations who are at the head of all this. They are the creators of the Encana pipeline incidents, the “terrorism”.
I sent an email about Bush’s visit to that same supervisor, and to all the other RCMP-connected people I know. See item #4.
Many thanks to John! And to others, for your work on Gail’s (Lawyers Against the War) project. Which is really the project of us all now.
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(2) CANADA’S PROGRAM ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND WAR CRIMES
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/wc-cg/wc-cg2006-eng.html#enforcement
Canada’s Program on Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes
Ninth Annual Report
2005-2006
Canada Border Services Agency
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Department of Justice
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Introduction
Canada’s program on crimes against humanity and war crimes upholds the Government of Canada’s policy that Canada is not a safe haven for anyone involved in crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide.
The partners in the program are the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Operational guidance for the coordinated program is provided by the Program Coordination and Operations Committee, which meets regularly to develop policy, coordinate operations and assess cases. Oversight is provided by the War Crimes Program Steering Committee, composed of senior managers from each of the partner departments/agencies.
The Government established the coordinated program in 1998 to address crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during World War II as well as more recent conflicts. The program received funding of $15.6 million per year.
The February 2005 budget renewed funding for the War Crimes Program until 2009-2010. The funding remains at the 1998 level of $15.6 million per year. The program partners are targeting their efforts on the most crucial and cost-effective activities to support program objectives. In order to manage their resources, the partners have developed a Results-based Management and Accountability Framework in which they list expected results for the program over the five-year funding period and establish a strategy for monitoring and evaluation. This report covers the first year under the renewed funding.
The chief objective of the program is denial of safe haven in Canada to persons involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. At the same time, Canada contributes to the global fight against impunity for war criminals through cooperation with other countries and international tribunals. Canada’s coordinated program is unique and highly admired internationally because the four partners work together on these objectives to apply a range of legislative remedies.
This report covers cases related to both World War II and modern war crimes. Information on specific World War II-related cases can be found in the section called “Enforcement in Canada.”
The most effective measure to deny safe haven is the early detection and prevention of entry of suspected human rights abusers into Canada. This ability is legislated in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). CIC is responsible for the selection of immigrants and temporary residents. It is provided with training, screening aids, intelligence and analysis from the CBSA, investigative assistance from the RCMP and legal advice and support from the DOJ.
If persons suspected of involvement in atrocities do arrive in Canada or are found living in Canada, the program partners assess the situation to determine the most appropriate remedy. The partners have complementary roles in applying these remedies: criminal proceedings under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, on which the RCMP and the DOJ work closely together; enforcement under the IRPA led by the CBSA, including deportation and denial of access to and exclusion from refugee protection; and citizenship revocation proceedings under the Citizenship Act handled by CIC. The CBSA only deals with modern cases. The DOJ leads the development of World War II cases with the assistance of the RCMP. The DOJ also handles extradition and surrender to international tribunals under the Extradition Act.
On October 2005, the first charges under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act were laid against Désiré Munyaneza of Rwanda, following a five-year investigation by the RCMP. The prosecution is taking place in Montréal.
Earlier in the year, in another high-profile case, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the decision that Léon Mugesera should not be allowed to remain in Canada based on evidence that he incited genocide in Rwanda. Although his removal is still pending a further risk assessment, this decision by the highest court sets a precedent supporting the denial of safe haven in Canada for war criminals.
Since 1998, 3,360 persons considered involved in or complicit in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide have been prevented from coming to Canada and 408 such persons have been removed from Canada. Five individuals have had their Canadian citizenship revoked as a result of their activities in World War II.
For more information on the program, previous annual reports and contact information, please refer to the Canada’s program on crimes against humanity and war crimes Web site at www.justice.gc.ca.
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(3) RCMP WAR CRIMES AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
(Link no longer valid http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wc-cg/index-eng.htm )
War Crimes and Special Investigations Enforcement Program
Frequently Asked Questions | Links | Contact Us
This section was established in April 1987 in response to the Canadian Government’s decision to pursue the recommendations of the “Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals”, submitted to the Governor in Council on December 30, 1986. This inquiry dealt with the matter of alleged war criminals in Canada.
Amendments to the Criminal Code to give Canadian courts jurisdiction to try war crimes or crimes against humanity cases in Canada were implemented. Amendments were also made to our Citizenship and Immigration Acts to prevent future war crimes/crimes against humanity suspects from remaining in Canada or gaining Canadian Citizenship. Section 7(3.76) of the Criminal Code provides the definitions of “war crime” and “crime against humanity”, but in more simplistic terms the distinction of the two are noted as follows;
“War crime”- acts committed during an international armed conflict (i.e. World War II), that constitutes a contravention of the customary or conventional international law applicable in international armed conflicts.
“Crime against humanity”- means murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, persecution or any other inhumane act that is committed against any civilian population or any identifiable group of persons that constitutes a contravention of customary or conventional international law or is criminal according to the general principles of law.
As long as war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed, Canada will be vigilant to prevent those responsible from entering Canada and becoming or remaining citizens. We will be ready to commence criminal investigations and prosecute such persons found in Canada.
See also :
Canadian Border Services Agency — Canada’s War Crime Program Annual Report 2003-04
Etc.
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(4) MY LETTER TO THE RCMP
FROM:
Sandra Finley
Saskatoon SK S7N 0L1
Dear Lloyd,
I appreciated your response to my concerns re the incidents on the Encana pipeline and the question of who are the terrorists. (07/11/2008).
There is another issue of concern to you in your role related to National Security.
It may not fall directly under E Division. If not, would you mind forwarding this to the persons in the RCMP, in Canadian Security Forces, and at the Canada Border Services Agency who are the appropriate persons to deal with it?
Under Canadian and International law and policy, George Bush is a war criminal.
Please refer to the documentation appended.
He should not be allowed entrance into Canada, and if he is, he should be arrested.
George Bush is scheduled to be at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary on March 17th.
If the Canada Border Services Agency does not perform its duty under the law (preventing George Bush from entering Canada), then the RCMP must do what it is required to do: arrest George Bush.
A. From the RCMP website (appended).
” Anyone who has Information concerning persons in Canada who may have participated in or conspired in the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity are invited to report their concerns to the nearest office of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or reply directly to this section (of the RCMP) by telephone at …”
I have hereby carried out my duties as a citizen.
B. From the Canada Border Services Agency’s website (appended).
“Canada’s program on crimes against humanity and war crimes upholds the Government of Canada’s policy that Canada is not a safe haven for anyone involved in crimes against humanity, war crimes or genocide”
C. From the RCMP website:
“As long as war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed, Canada will be vigilant to prevent those responsible from entering Canada and becoming or remaining citizens. We will be ready to commence criminal investigations and prosecute such persons found in Canada.”
If you require more information regarding the illegality of the Iraq War and the role of George Bush in it, I would be happy to provide additional information to you. If a legal briefing would be useful to you, it will be equally easy for me to send that to you.
EXCERPT FROM LETTER SENT YESTERDAY TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC) IN THE HAGUE:
In order for the people in less fortunate countries to have faith in the ICC, they must see that rogue heads-of-state are prosecuted, regardless of the country they represent.
Former president George Bush of the USA launched an illegal war on the people of Iraq. In fairness, George Bush must be prosecuted for his crimes.
A highly-respected former American prosecutor, Vince Bugliosi, made a presentation to the (American) House Judiciary Committee in the U.S. in July 2008. (See YouTube video: http://watsupjb75.blogspot.com/2008/07/bugliosi.html).
Mr. Bugliosi calls for the prosecution of George Bush in domestic courts. Mr. Bugliosi’s call has merit, but the crimes of George Bush are an international issue, equally and maybe more so than those of Omar Al Bashir. (President of Sudan. The ICC has just issued a warrant for him. He is to be prosecuted for his crimes against humanity in Darfur.)
George Bush is scheduled to visit Calgary, Alberta, Canada on March 17th. Please see the attached request to the Government of Canada to deny him access to Canada. The documentation may serve the ICC well in its pursuit of charges against George Bush.
Bugliosi’s testimony before the Judiciary Committee is based on his most recent book, “The Prosecution of George W Bush for Murder”. It may also be helpful to you.
Thank-you for your consideration of the need to pursue legal action against George Bush.
My sincere thanks to you for doing whatever you are able. Laws must be enforced equally and fairly.
Best wishes,
Sandra Finley
Saskatoon
(Appended were:
(2) CANADA’S PROGRAM ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND WAR CRIMES
(3) RCMP WAR CRIMES AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM)
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(5) NEWS STORY MARCH 5, CANADA SHOULD BAR OR PROSECUTE BUSH, FOREIGN AFFAIRS STAYS SILENT
(click on the link – – you’ll see a picture of Gail!)
http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/news-views/news/canada-should-bar-or-prosecute-bush-lawyer-3378/
Canada should bar or prosecute Bush: lawyer
Foreign Affairs stays silent on upcoming Calgary visit
Published March 5, 2009 by Jeremy Klaszus in News
Vancouver lawyer Gail Davidson says that because Bush has been ‘credibly accused’ of war crimes, Canada should deny him entry
As George W. Bush’s St. Patrick’s Day visit to Calgary draws near, the federal government is facing pressure from activists and human rights lawyers to bar the former U.S. president from the country or prosecute him for war crimes and crimes against humanity once he steps on Canadian soil.
Bush is scheduled to speak at the Telus Convention Centre March 17, but Vancouver lawyer Gail Davidson says that because Bush has been “credibly accused” of supporting torture in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Canada has a legal obligation to deny him entry under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The law says foreign nationals who have committed war crimes or crimes against humanity, including torture, are “inadmissible” to Canada.
”The test isn’t whether the person’s been convicted, but whether there’s reasonable grounds to think that they have been involved,” says Davidson, who’s with Lawyers Against the War (LAW). “…It’s now a matter of public record that Bush was in charge of setting up a regime of torture that spanned several parts of the globe and resulted in horrendous injuries and even death. Canada has a duty.”
In February, Davidson sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other cabinet ministers asking the Canadian government to either bar Bush from Canada, prosecute him once he arrives, or have the federal attorney general consent to a private prosecution by LAW against the Texan. She hasn’t received a response, and concedes she’s fighting “an uphill battle” with “terrific challenges.” Davidson laid torture charges against Bush during his visit to Vancouver in 2004, but a judge quashed them within days.
The federal government is keeping silent on the upcoming visit. “We have no comments to offer on the visit of Mr. George W. Bush to Calgary,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alain Cacchione in an e-mail to Fast Forward. When told about Davidson’s letter, a spokesperson with the Canadian Border Services Agency said “we wouldn’t comment on something like that.”
Davidson is one of many voices around the world calling for Bush’s prosecution. Earlier this year, Manfred Nowak, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Torture, said the U.S. has a “clear obligation” to prosecute Bush and former secretary of defence Donald Rumsfeld for authorizing torture — a violation of the UN Convention on Torture. “Obviously the highest authorities in the United States were aware of this,” Nowak told a German TV station in January.
Joanne Mariner, terrorism and counterterrorism director for Human Rights Watch, says that while there’s legally “all the reason in the world” to prosecute decision-makers in the Bush administration, “it’s a different story” politically. “The Obama administration certainly has not given much in the way of encouraging signals for such a prosecution,” says Mariner, who’s based in New York. “Obama has consistently said that he wants to look forward.” Mariner says that while a U.S. justice department investigation is unlikely, a congressional investigation is more probable — and “that could lead to recommendations for prosecution.”
Mariner’s not expecting a Canadian prosecution against Bush. “Obviously the Canadian government would have to be in favour of it, and that seems rather unlikely,” she says.
Calgary activists, meanwhile, are organizing a number of events for the week of Bush’s visit, culminating in a noontime rally outside the Telus Convention Centre during Bush’s speech. “We want to give him the welcome that he deserves — which is we want him to go back to the States, or we want him arrested,” says organizer Collette Lemieux. Activist Julie Hrdlicka, who visited Iraq twice during the American occupation, agrees. “We need to send a clear message to him that he’s not welcome,” she says.
Lemieux is hopeful that Bush will eventually be prosecuted. “Do I think that it’s going to happen very soon? No,” she says. “But I think that it’s very important that we keep the pressure up…. We have to make it clear that there’s accountability.”
The Plaza Theatre, meanwhile, is screening three Bush-themed documentaries for a “Bush Bash Film Fest” the night of the visit. Half the box office proceeds will go to the United Way.
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(6) WHO IS SPONSORING THE BUSH VISIT?
I called the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary re the Bush visit and was quickly referred to phone # 403 245 8550. The recording identified it only as an “events coordinator” with no name. I left a message requesting them to phone me. I tried a “reverse phone number” look-up on the Canada411 website. It came up empty.
I called back to the Convention Centre. And was told that “Pine Public” was behind the event. That’s the event coordinator. They don’t know anymore than that. If anyone knows who is behind the Bush visit, please let me know. Many thanks. (INSERT: we later discovered that the sponsors included law firm Bennett Jones and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, who we then lobbied.)
NOTE LAST PARAGRAPH IN THE NEWS ARTICLE: Calgary activists, meanwhile, are organizing a number of events for the week of Bush’s visit, culminating in a noontime rally outside the Telus Convention Centre during Bush’s speech.