Could Bush Be Arrested in Canada Under War Crimes Act?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of former President George W. Bush being arrested in Canada under the War Crimes Act. Participants explore the implications of such an event for international relations, particularly between Canada and the United States, while also debating the likelihood of Canada taking such action.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of Canada arresting Bush, suggesting that it would provoke a strong reaction from the United States.
  • Others argue that Bush would likely avoid visiting Canada if there was a real risk of arrest, citing legal protections for heads of state.
  • A few participants mention a letter from lawyers urging the Canadian government to declare Bush persona non grata, indicating that inviting him could imply complicity in war crimes.
  • There are humorous and sarcastic remarks about the potential for U.S. military action against Canada if such an arrest were attempted.
  • Some participants reflect on the historical context of U.S.-Canada relations, referencing the War of 1812 and questioning the practicality of military actions today.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of targeting foreign leaders for prosecution and the potential backlash from the U.S.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the likelihood of Canada attempting to arrest Bush, with multiple competing views expressed regarding the legal and political ramifications of such an action. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference legal protections for visiting heads of state and the complexities of international law, but these points are not fully explored or agreed upon. The discussion also touches on historical events without reaching a definitive conclusion about their relevance to current events.

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I was just watching CNN Headline News (Yes I know) and the announcer suggested that Bush could be indicted under Canada's War Crimes act, if so he would be arrested as soon as he arrived in Canada.
Obviously I don't think this will happen. but it's a nice thought.
What would this mean for international politics. It would certainly hurt our relations with the US.
 
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I doubt it.

If Canada arrests Bush they better be ready to feel the wrath of the powerful United States! If I ever become Pres. of the US I will definitely take over Canada :smile:
 
mattmns said:
I doubt it.

If Canada arrests Bush they better be ready to feel the wrath of the powerful United States! If I ever become Pres. of the US I will definitely take over Canada :smile:
Thank you for that wonderfully intellectual comment.
 
No problem, to be serious for a minute or two.

Do you really think that Canada is going to make an attempt to arrest the President of the United States? If Bush actually had a chance of getting arrested in Canada there is no way he would be willing to go there. I am not a friend of Mr. Bush, but I guarantee you that he has plenty of lawyers on his side that are making sure that there is no way for him to get arrested anywhere.


"As well, according to a foreign affairs spokesperson, visiting heads of state are immune from prosecution when in Canada on official business. If Ottawa wanted to act, it would have to wait until Bush was out of office — or hope to catch him when he comes up here to fish." - Quote from your source.

Looks like Canada would have to wait four years anyway.
 
There's no chance Canada would even try to arrest Bush. I hope no one is seriously thinking that it would. Just imagine the ramifications...
Anyway, on a side note: Bush isn't going to speak in Parliament anymore for fear of being booed. (That is a real possibility). What a shame though, that would have been quite entertaining.
Some clubs at my school are organizing a trip to Ottawa to protest Bush. Maybe I'll go. I haven't been to Ottawa in a few years.
 
LOL! Now THAT would be news, wouldn't it? Be careful what you read. This is not a serious issue.
 
Well, he's actually coming to my city. There's so many people ready to protest. I don't believe anyone wants him here. So many of our high schools were closed down, to house the people on the 911, and we didn't even get a thanks.
 
When this was first brought up, the issue wasn't that they could arrest Bush now (if only...), but an attempt prevent Bush's visit. The letter sent to the PM by some lawyers stated that inviting Bush showed contempt for Canadian law and called for declaring Bush persona non grata in Canada (and indicated that allowing the visit might make it possible to indict the PM for abetting Bush's war crimes).
 
  • #10
Ooooh, that's good too! (not as good, but still good)
 
  • #11
When this was first brought up, the issue wasn't that they could arrest Bush now (if only...), but an attempt prevent Bush's visit. The letter sent to the PM by some lawyers stated that inviting Bush showed contempt for Canadian law and called for declaring Bush persona non grata in Canada (and indicated that allowing the visit might make it possible to indict the PM for abetting Bush's war crimes).

This is rebuilding my belief is lawyers ... great effort !
 
  • #12
In case you guys don't know, every president, presidential candidate, and ex-president, along with their families, are constantly followed by enough secret service agents that it would take a pretty strong force to take any of them anywhere against their will.
 
  • #13
ROTFL wouldn't the Queen kick your guys' butts?
 
  • #14
mattmns said:
I doubt it.

If Canada arrests Bush they better be ready to feel the wrath of the powerful United States! If I ever become Pres. of the US I will definitely take over Canada :smile:


You mean Canada is still independent? i thought they were just another one of those evil blue states...
 
  • #15
schwarzchildradius said:
ROTFL wouldn't the Queen kick your guys' butts?
HAHaha..oh too true to really be funny...but it is!
 
  • #16
mattmns said:
I doubt it.

If Canada arrests Bush they better be ready to feel the wrath of the powerful United States! If I ever become Pres. of the US I will definitely take over Canada :smile:

What would you want? Our Seakings? Or water? =\ Oh, maybe our ice, perhaps?
 
  • #17
I was quite surprised to see the subject coming up on cbc, one of Canada's foremost news channel tonight!
 
  • #18
Gonzolo said:
I was quite surprised to see the subject coming up on cbc, one of Canada's foremost news channel tonight!

I was even more surprised seeing it on CNN the least TWO nights!
 
  • #19
Zeteg said:
What would you want? Our Seakings? Or water? =\ Oh, maybe our ice, perhaps?

No, what I will want is all of America.

My first day as pres I will take over Canada, not that it will take long, maybe a few hours or so. :-p Then Mexico, Central America, South America. After that, my followers and I will build a huge shield protecting us from every other country in the world. Then we will stop almost all military spending, and use our newfound wealth for health care and that other good stuff.
 
  • #20
My first day as pres I will take over Canada, not that it will take long, maybe a few hours or so.

You guys tried it once already, it didn't seem to go to well.
 
  • #21
revelator said:
You guys tried it once already, it didn't seem to go to well.

The US did? What year and under which president?
 
  • #22
Can you imagine the gall of Canadian officials arbitrarily targeting members of other governments for persecution?
 
  • #23
mattmns said:
The US did? What year and under which president?
1812 under maddisson
(hint: It's when the whitehouse was burned down)
 
  • #24
Smurf said:
1812 under maddisson
(hint: It's when the whitehouse was burned down)

Ok, I didnt think it was recent, that was almost 200 years ago. I think we could easily take you guys today :-p
 
  • #25
mattmns said:
Ok, I didnt think it was recent, that was almost 200 years ago. I think we could easily take you guys today :-p
Thats what you said then "They're busy with Napoleon, we could easily take them today"
 
  • #26
mattmns said:
Ok, I didnt think it was recent, that was almost 200 years ago. I think we could easily take you guys today

That's a given :P. But we'd give a resistance like nobody's business.

Although I don't know how you would expect to be able to occupy so much land. Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area. And on top of that you want the other North/South American countries?
 
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  • #27
Smurf said:
Thats what you said then "They're busy with Napoleon, we could easily take them today"

I never said that, maybe some US president or somebody else did.

Personally I don't know much about history, and don't worry about history because it is well useless. We all know that history does not predict the future.

revelator said:
That's a given :P. But we'd give a resistance like nobody's business.

I have no doubt that many of you will resists, nobody likes to lose their country. After I take over all of America I will have a big shield created to protect us and then cut almost all of the military spending and use it on some stuff that will help everyone live better.


Back on topic for a second... Bush is visiting Canada today(now Nov 30 04)? The visit is still on? If so I guess we will find out what happens soon :cool:


edit... back off topic

Although I don't know how you would expect to be able to occupy so much land. Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area. And on top of that you want the other North/South American countries?

Good point. That led me to think of something better, I was actually thinking about how the shield would work in central america because of how small and narrow it is. Now that I think of it more, maybe not, meh I'll worry about it when I am elected President.
 
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  • #28
Once again another thread has been hijacked into a Canada vs. USA argument. Continue.
 
  • #29
Can't we all just...get along?
 
  • #30
yeah I was thinking the same thing while reading my post, that's why I decided to stop thinking about it and try to get back on topic.

What time is Bush scheduled to enter Canada? I am guessing that he is going to speak, or sign something?
 

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