CANADA ’S NEW GOVERNMENT REITERATES ITS COMMITMENT TO ANTI-TERRORISM LEGISLATION

OTTAWA, July 18, 2007 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, today tabled the Government’s Response to the seventh report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security – Rights, Limits, Security: A Comprehensive Review of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Related Issues. Minister Nicholson and Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day also reiterated Canada’s New Government’s intention to re-introduce legislation to restore the anti-terrorism powers lost over recent months and to address recent decisions made by the Supreme Court of Canada in regards to the security certificates.

“For any Government, there is no greater duty than the protection of its citizens,” said Minister Nicholson. “ The Anti-terrorism Act is important for protecting the security of Canadians against the threat of terrorism. We will continue to take a comprehensive approach and work with Parliamentarians as we strive to have the best tools in place to keep Canadians safe.”

“ Canada’s New Government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard national security, while at the same time protecting the rights and freedoms of all Canadians,” said Minister Day. “ Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism, and strong anti-terror legislation is therefore needed. On the safety of Canadians, our Government will never compromise.”

The Anti-terrorism Act (ATA) is one of several pieces of legislation that forms the Government of Canada's overall anti-terrorism strategy. It assists the Government of Canada to meet the extraordinary challenges presented by terrorism. The legislation is 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 ATA after three years. The Government’s Response today addresses recommendations made in the House of Commons Subcommittee report issued on March 27, 2007.

An online version of the Government’s Response will be available at www.parl.gc.ca.

Government’s Response to the seventh report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security – Rights, Limits, Security: A Comprehensive Review of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Related Issues (PDF, 13MB)

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Mélisa Leclerc
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Geneviève Breton
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