Lauzon: New Legislation Will Safeguard National Security

March 12, 2009

Minister Nicholson today (Thursday, March 12, 2009) tabled legislation in the House to reinstate modified versions of Anti-Terrorism provisions - the investigative hearing and the recognizance with conditions provisions - in the Criminal Code.

“This Government is determined to safeguard national security, while at the same time protecting the rights and freedoms of all Canadians,” said local MP Guy Lauzon. “This Government believes that our law enforcement officials should have all the necessary tools to protect Canadians from acts of terror.”

The Bill demonstrates the Government’s commitment to again bring forward legislation to protect Canadians – which died on the order paper during the 39th Parliament – while respecting their rights under the Charter.

The Bill would amend the Criminal Code to allow the Courts to compel a witness who may have information regarding a terrorism offence to testify and provide information relating to the offence.

The purpose of the investigative hearing is to gather information relevant to the investigation of terrorism offences, not to prosecute an individual with a Criminal Code offence. The tool is limited to cases where there were reasonable grounds to believe that a terrorism offence had been or would be committed.

The Bill would also amend the Criminal Code to allow a judge to impose a recognizance with conditions on a person in order to prevent the carrying out of a terrorist activity.  It is designed to aid in the disruption of the preparatory phase of terrorist activity. This tool is often described as "preventive arrest".

“I strongly encourage the opposition to support this legislation,” added Lauzon. “The measures contained in this bill are essential tools needed by law enforcement to successfully protect Canadians and prevent terrorist attacks”