GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO REINSTATE ANTI-TERRORISM PROVISIONS

OTTAWA, October 23, 2007 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today fulfilled the Government’s commitment to reinstate two important, amended anti-terrorism measures in the Anti-Terrorism Act by tabling legislation in the Senate. The two amended measures – investigative hearing and the recognizance with conditions provisions in the Criminal Code – will assist the Government of Canada to meet the extraordinary challenges presented by terrorism.

“There is no greater duty for any Government than the protection of its citizens, which is why this Government will not compromise about protecting Canadians from the threat of terrorism,” said Minister Nicholson. “We are committed to reinstating these amended anti-terrorism provisions as part of our overall anti-terrorism strategy, which is intended to protect the safety, security and fundamental rights of Canadians.”

Investigative hearings and recognizance with conditions provisions were first introduced in 2001 as part of the Anti-Terrorism Act. In February 2007, the Government’s motion was defeated in the House of Commons to extend the two anti-terrorism measures.

This legislation demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enable our law enforcement agencies to anticipate and respond effectively to terrorist threats and protect Canadians from terrorist activity, while respecting the rights of people in Canada under the Charter. The provisions include:

• The investigative hearings provision will permit the police to apply for an order requiring a witness to appear before a judge to answer questions to assist in the investigation of terrorist cases; and
• The recognizance with conditions provision will reinstate the power of peace officers to bring an individual before a judge in the early stages of terrorist activities to disrupt a potential terrorist attack.

“ Our Government is committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians ,” added Minister Nicholson. “Despite the opposition turning their back on important anti-terrorism measures, we will continue to work with Parliamentarians to have the best tools in place to keep Canadians safe.”

An online version of legislation will be available at www.parl.gc.ca.

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For more information:

Geneviève Breton
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957- 4207