Legal Affairs Branch
The Legal Affairs Branch of Global Affairs Canada is the Government of Canada’s principal source of advice on its legal rights and obligations with respect to a wide and growing range of challenges on issues related to public international law.
Headed by the Assistant Deputy Minister Legal Affairs and Legal Adviser the branch is comprised of the Legal Affairs Bureau and the Trade Law Bureau.
Global Affairs Canada’s lawyers advocate on behalf of Canada in international litigation. They manage and develop policy and legal advice on a broad range of international legal issues as well as the negotiation and interpretation of international agreements.
The Legal Affairs Branch delivers services to the public as well, such as authenticating documents, and maintaining Canada’s treaty registry. Our lawyers also ensure that Canada’s domestic legal regime accords with its international obligations.
Priority areas include:
- international peace and security;
- state sovereignty and extraterritoriality;
- consular and diplomatic law;
- international human rights law;
- the law of armed conflict;
- economic sanctions;
- treaty law;
- international criminal law;
- international environmental law;
- oceans and airspace law;
- Canada’s extended continental shelf; and,
- international trade law.
Services and information
Authentication of documents
How to have Canadian documents authenticated so they will be accepted abroad.
Canada’s economic sanctions
Stay informed about economic sanctions and how they can affect your business.
Canada’s treaty registry
Find and read bilateral and multilateral treaties signed by Canada from 1928 to the present day.
Canada's extended continental shelf
Canadian and international researchers work together to define the outer limits of this continental shelf in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
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