Department of Justice

ANTI-TERRORISM LEGISLATION COMES INTO FORCE

Ottawa, December 24, 2001 – The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, announce that Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act, comes into force today.

"The threat posed by terrorism remains constant here in Canada and around the world," Minister McLellan said. "The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment to ensure that law enforcement and national security agencies have the tools they need to protect the security and safety of Canadians from terrorist activity."

All measures in Bill C-36 are proclaimed today with the exception of some provisions amending the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorism Financing Act, which will be proclaimed in the New Year.

Since the introduction of Bill C-36, the Government of Canada has listened carefully to the concerns of Canadians to ensure that the anti-terrorism law meets their needs. Canadians want measures that will protect their security and they support laws that deal effectively with terrorism. Canadians also want assurances that safeguards are in place to protect their rights and freedoms. The provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act meet the need for protection of both human security and human rights.

The Anti-Terrorism Act is a key component of the Government of Canada's Anti-Terrorism Plan, and it parallels the actions taken by our international partners to combat terrorism.

"Combatting terrorism is a top priority for law enforcement in Canada," said Solicitor General MacAulay. "With the enactment of this legislation, we will have even more effective laws to target terrorism in our country."

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Ref:

Farah Mohamed
Minister McLellan's Office
Department of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Dan Brien
Minister MacAulay's Office
Solicitor General Canada
(613) 991-2924