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Enhancing Canada's Compliance with International Treaty Obligations

2024-Q4 Enhancing Canada's Compliance with International Treaty Obligations

Whereas #1 Canada has ratified and acceded to a broad range of international treaties, conventions and protocols herewith referenced as contracts; and


Whereas #2 adherences to the obligations inherent in each international contract is essential not only for their fulfillment but also for fostering international cooperation, respect, and trust, thereby ensuring Canada’s recognition as a responsible global actor; and


Whereas #3 by acceding to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) on October 14, 1970, Canada committed to upholding international law and recognized that invoking internal law as a justification for non-compliance is inadmissible, as outlined in Articles 26 and 27 of the VCLT; and


Whereas #4 as of 2024, Canada has yet to fulfill all its obligations under various conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was signed in 1991; therefore be it


Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that all ratified and acceded to international contracts be fulfilled by Canada; and be it further


Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to address these shortcomings and ensure full compliance with all ratified international contracts by taking immediate measures to fulfill these obligations; and be it further


Resolved #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to:


​a) Task a non-partisan committee with the comprehensive and transparent analysis of Canada’s obligations under all ratified ​    international contracts; and

​b) Require the committee to provide regular reports to the government as evidence of non-compliance is identified; and

​c) Publicly share progress made in fulfilling international commitments, including challenges

​    faced and strategies to overcome them; and

​d) Engage with relevant interested parties to ensure comprehensive implementation of international agreements moving ​  forward; and

​e) Ensure the ongoing alignment of domestic legislation with its international commitments, ensuring consistent application ​    of treaty obligations across all levels of government.