Canada Defines Policy for ICC Arrest Warrants
Internal guidance confirms that Canada would cooperate with International Criminal Court warrants under the Extradition Act.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Terrorism
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Internal government advice dated June 10, 2024, outlines that Canada is prepared to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants. This follows the ICC issuing warrants related to the war in Gaza in November 2024.
Why it matters
The International Criminal Court serves as a designated extradition partner under Canada's Extradition Act, necessitating a formal legal process for international cooperation. This policy clarifies Canada's obligations when presented with arrest requests for foreign officials.
Canada would seek an arrest warrant in a Canadian court upon receiving a formal cooperation request from the ICC. The process mirrors the protocol used following the March 2023 ICC warrant issued for Vladimir Putin.
The players
Karim Khan
He is the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court who sought arrest warrant applications for leaders involved in the Gaza conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu
He is the Prime Minister of Israel who was named in an ICC arrest warrant application.
Mark Carney
He is a prominent Canadian figure who publicly stated in October 2025 that he would support the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered the country.
Yoav Gallant
He is an Israeli official who was among those named in the arrest warrant applications sought by the ICC.
The details
Under this framework, Canada would be required to facilitate the arrest and surrender of individuals named in ICC warrants if a cooperation request is received. While the ICC has issued warrants related to the war in Gaza, three of the Hamas leaders named in the initial applications are now deceased.
Timeline
March 2023: The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin.
June 10, 2024: National security adviser Drouin wrote the internal advice memo.
November 2024: The ICC issued arrest warrants related to the war in Gaza.
October 2025: Mark Carney stated he would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if the latter entered Canada.
Legal Context
The government's stance reinforces Canada's commitments under the Extradition Act, which governs how the nation handles international arrest requests. This approach follows established legal precedents set by Canada's response to previous international tribunal actions.
This policy clarifies that legal processes regarding international figures will follow established Canadian court procedures rather than immediate executive action. It provides residents with insight into how international mandates are integrated into the domestic legal system.
The takeaway
Canada maintains a consistent legal position by treating ICC warrants through the established protocols of the Extradition Act. This ensures that any enforcement action remains grounded in domestic judicial oversight rather than arbitrary political decisions.
Further reading
For broader context regarding national security and legal compliance, visit the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
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