Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

February 1, 2024—Ottawa—The Government of Canada is dedicated to honouring the memory of the millions of people who died senselessly in the Holocaust, and the Canadians who fought to liberate Europe from the Nazis. This tragic chapter in world history can never be forgotten.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the new release of the Rodal Report, which was originally prepared in support of the Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals in Canada (the Deschênes Commission), established in 1985. This newly released version, following a request made under the Access to Information Act, reveals information that was previously withheld.

The Rodal Report—known officially as Nazi War Criminals in Canada: the Historical and Policy Setting from the 1940s to the Present, by Alti Rodal (PDF format)—provides information on the historical policies and circumstances that led to the presence of Nazi war criminals in Canada. This new version of the report is now available on the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) website. While additional information that is no longer sensitive due to the passage of time can now be released, some information still remains protected in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

This release is one part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to transparency, and to reviewing what additional historical records related to the investigation of war crimes can be released. Engagement with affected communities is ongoing, and the government is steadfast in ensuring that Canadians feel safe.

We remain committed to international justice and the fight against impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.