Lost her last election, in 2006, with 39% of the vote.
Justice November 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the solicitor general and I will be meeting with our provincial and territorial colleagues next week and this is a matter I will take up with them. We had the opportunity to discuss it some time ago but, after consultation with my provincial and territorial colleagues, if there is general agreement to proceed, we will do so.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation November 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, let me make it absolutely plain that while we are not creating a new officer of parliament, in relation to oversight I return to what the privacy commissioner said. He is an officer of parliament who in fact believes that we have continued to vindicate privacy as a fundamental human right even in times of gravest crisis.
Far from being secretive in this legislation, I point out to the right hon. member that what we have done through our amendments and in the original legislation is attempt to ensure the highest degree of political accountability and--
Anti-Terrorism Legislation November 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the right hon. member refers to officers of parliament. Let me read for the House and the right hon. member what one of those officers, the privacy commissioner, said today in a press release in relation to the amendments of yesterday:
All existing privacy rights of Canadians remain fully safeguarded, the oversight role of the Privacy Commissioner remains intact, and even the issuance of certificates is closely circumscribed and subject to judicial review.
He went on to say:
Your action is a great victory for the privacy rights of all Canadians. You have reaffirmed on behalf of the Government of Canada that privacy is a fundamental human right--
Anti-terrorism Legislation November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is obviously not aware that in relation to this legislation, normal oversight processes continue. For example, there is a public complaints commission as it relates to the RCMP. There are civilian oversight mechanisms that apply to all local police.
Ministers of the government or any future government have to report to the House on an annual basis. Judicial review of almost all actions that could be taken under this legislation exist. In fact, today we have reinforced the prospect of judicial review.
I honestly do not know where the hon. member is coming from.
Anti-terrorism Legislation November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member does not understand the process of issuing the certificate. As of today, if a committee decides to accept the amendments proposed, my issuance of that certificate would be subject to judicial review by a judge of the federal court.
I cannot imagine a better process of review that provides greater protection to Canadians in relation to that provision.
Anti-terrorism Legislation November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the suggestion that we would sunset definition sections of this legislation is, with all due respect, hard to believe. As the Prime Minister and others have said, the threat of terrorism, the war against terrorism will not be short term. What we all have to understand is that our first obligation is to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. We will not sunset key definitions like terrorist activity that strike at the very heart of that which would destroy, maim and kill innocent people.
Anti-terrorism Legislation November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, let me first of all say that again I thank the committee for the work it has done and the many witnesses who have appeared before it.
In fact, the government has listened. One of the things that we heard was that there was concern in and around the operation of two provisions in particular.
Today I announced that the government is willing to provide a sunset clause. I do not know why the hon. member would refer to this as anything less. We are indicating that those two provisions will cease to exist unless members of the House and the Senate make it--
Anti-Terrorism Legislation November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, what is important here is the conduct. What is important are the actions carried out by these individuals. That is why we have taken the approach of defining that conduct as facilitation, participation, a wide range of different kinds of conduct that strike at the very heart of that which we want to get at, which is terrorist activity. It is conduct that we must make sure is dealt with and is an offence and is criminalized.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation November 19th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I think it is fair to say that most reasonable people would say that the police appointed themselves and conducted themselves admirably on the weekend.
The hon. member and I have engaged in this discussion before. I believe the definition of terrorist activity in Bill C-36 is clear. However I have also indicated that I am open to considering further clarifications to the definition that will deal with the concerns of the hon. member and others.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation November 9th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I certainly can reassure the hon. member that I will consider suggestions for amendments from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Let me also indicate that the Prime Minister, last evening in Vancouver in his speech to a sold-out fundraiser for our party, did indicate that there will be amendments to Bill C-36.