The Anti-terrorism Act

Parliamentary Review of the Anti-terrorism Act

The Anti-terrorism Act is one of several pieces of legislation that forms the Government of Canada's overall anti-terrorism strategy. It takes aim at terrorist organisations and assists the Government of Canada to meet the extraordinary challenges that terrorism poses. The legislation was intended to protect the safety, security and fundamental rights of Canadians. It contains numerous safeguards, which include an important requirement that Parliament comprehensively review the provisions and operation of the Act after three years.

Section 145 of the Anti-terrorism Act, enacted by Parliament in December 2001, requires that a committee or committees of Parliament begin a “comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of the Act”, within three years from the date that the Act received Royal Assent, which was December 18, 2001.

A motion was adopted by the House of Commons on December 9, 2004 authorizing the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to begin a review of the Anti-terrorism Act. Its subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security has begun this work. The Senate adopted a similar motion on December 13, 2004, establishing a Special Committee to undertake a separate review. The Senate Special Committee has also started its work.

These committees are to report back to Parliament within one year, unless their mandates are extended.

The scope and focus of the review of the Anti-terrorism Act are set by these Parliamentary committees.