April 7, 2026

What do We Say About This Madness Governments that see themselves as defenders of the rule of law cannot dismiss language about destroying “an entire civilization” as mere rhetoric. When figures like Donald Trump invoke such terms, the implications are serious, brushing up against the legal and moral boundaries associated with the gravest international crimes. Genocide and related atrocities are not abstract concerns. Under principles such as universal jurisdiction, those who incite or enable them can be held accountable beyond their own borders, and institutions like the International Criminal Court exist to pursue justice where they can. This places a clear obligation on states: to call out dangerous language and intended action early and ensure their own conduct remains firmly within international humanitarian law. Canada has not always met that test. At moments when clarity was needed, its voice has been cautious, even muted -more that of a careful neighbour than a principled one confronting the warning signs of potential atrocity. The question for Canada is unavoidable: what do we have to say about this madness?

The words, the law, the future