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Introduction

1. On June 24, 1987, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the Convention). This is Canada's Fifth Report under the Convention, covering the period from May 2000 to July 2004. Part I updates from the Fourth Report the measures undertaken at the federal level to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. Parts II and III include an update on measures undertaken at the provincial and territorial levels.
   
   
2. This report reflects the principal changes in federal, provincial and territorial policies, laws and programs since the submission of Canada's Fourth Report under the Convention. Unless necessary, the information contained in Canada's previous reports is not repeated here and only significant changes are mentioned. For a complete picture of measures to implement the Convention, the previous reports should be consulted as well as reports submitted under other treaties, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations

3. The government of Canada invited 47 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to give their views on the issues to be covered in the federal portion of this report. One response was received from the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT), which has been forwarded to the Committee.
   
   
4. Although the CCVT has acknowledged Canada's leadership role at the forefront of the global campaign against impunity for torturers and other perpetrators of international crimes, it has expressed some concerns with respect to Canada's compliance with the Convention. These include:
   • the adversarial nature of some refugee determination hearings;
   • the increasing number of immigration detainees in Canada;
   • the issue of police violence;
   • the Supreme Court of Canada ruling in Suresh where the Court stated that Canada's interest be weighed with the Convention refugee's interest;
   • the need for public education about the rights of torture survivors to redress and compensation;
   • the need for Canada to define cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment and to develop mechanisms for the accountability and prosecution of officers who commit such offences.

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