Harper says the legislation will give victims justice against people, organizations and foreign states that support terrorism. It also sends a clear message that Canada will hold sponsors and perpetrators of terrorism accountable for their crimes.

Harper provided no details, saying those will be provided when the legislation is introduced this week.

He made the announcement at a Canadian Jewish Congress event in Toronto where he received the Saul Hayes Human Rights Award.

Law professor James Morton, who was at the event, says that while the comment received a standing ovation from the Jewish community represented there it raises a lot of questions.

Morton says the proposed legislation represents an enormous change to the way Canada deals with foreign states - and raises questions about lawsuits between several countries - including the U.S. and Iraq or the U.K. and Ireland.