Next Step: Canada Leaves ICC and ICJ

Dateline Ottawa.

Jack Layton rose today in Parliament to propose that Canada consider rescinding it's participation in the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Mr. Layton spoke of Canada's long history of commitment to justice and fairness and said that those commitments will only be able to be continued if Canada is not bound by international standards agreed to by former Liberal federal governments.

Prime Minister Harper praised Mr. Layton's principled position and immediately agreed with his proposal, noting that an immediate withdrawal from the Courts is necessary in order to avoid any further damage to Canada's reputation.

Thus as of April 31 of this year Canada will no longer be a member of the ICC or the ICJ.

Mr. Layton in a joint statement with Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day said it was a great day for Canada. Mr. Day also noted that now no Canadian soldiers will be able to be charged with war crimes in those Liberal courts.