Mr. Speaker, we would agree that acts of terrorism can never be justified. Therefore I would ask the hon. member and his opposition party to get on side and support the legislation.
Lost her last election, in 2006, with 39% of the vote.
Anti-terrorism Legislation October 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we would agree that acts of terrorism can never be justified. Therefore I would ask the hon. member and his opposition party to get on side and support the legislation.
Anti-terrorism Legislation October 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we do not believe that the definition as found in Bill C-36 provides any unnecessary or unreasonable impediments to prosecutors. We see those qualifiers as an important part of the definition to ensure we are not sweeping up organizations, groups and individuals who should not be included.
Access to Information October 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I have made plain on numerous occasions here in the House, I understand the concerns expressed by the hon. member and others in terms of certain provisions of the bill. We on the government side believe that everything in this legislation comports with the charter of rights and freedoms and Canadian values.
However, as I have indicated, I look forward to the advice and recommendations from both the House and Senate committees.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as we have said from the beginning, we believe this is a balanced package that is respectful not only of Canadians' needs in relation to safety and security but respectful of their rights guaranteed in the charter.
As I also have said throughout this process, the people I am going to listen to are the members of the House committee and the members of the Senate committee. I look forward to the advice and recommendations they have to offer us.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we certainly know of Mr. Reid's opinion and we respect his opinion. He is one of a number of witnesses the House of Commons and Senate committees will be hearing from. As I said before, we look forward to the advice and recommendations of the committee.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what I commit to today is to listen carefully and attentively to the advice and recommendations from both the House standing committee and the Senate committee.
If in fact it is possible to improve this legislation, we on this side of the House are more than willing to engage in that discussion.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I have said before in the House, the power to which the hon. member refers is an exceptional one to be used in limited circumstances.
Let me say that I know the committee is hearing very interesting information in relation to proposed clarifications or modifications of those provisions. We as a government understand how important this legislation is and therefore I look forward to the advice and recommendations provided by the committee on this very important matter.
Anti-terrorism Legislation October 23rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, the government is not involved in any clampdown on the free flow of information. We are charged with protecting Canadians and ensuring national security. The limited power provided to the attorney general to issue a certificate is in relation to a very discrete aspect of information involving international relations and national security. It is my view and the government's view that that provision is not only defensible but necessary to protect national security.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 23rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I completely reject the premise of the hon. member's question. I think what he has asserted is most unfortunate and in fact verges on the outrageous.
Let me reiterate for the hon. member that the power given to the attorney general to issue a certificate is a very limited one and for very limited purposes. However, as with other provisions of this legislation, I will be very interested in the advice and recommendations of the committee. In fact if there are ways that we can improve the legislation to achieve our objectives, we are open to considering them.
Anti-Terrorism Legislation October 23rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I have already explained on a number of occasions in the House that the power provided to me to issue a certificate is one that would be used in limited circumstances and in relation to highly confidential information related to international relations or national security.
I am aware that Mr. Radwanski, the privacy commissioner, was at committee this morning and in fact has suggested an amendment. My officials have not had the time to review it, but I will say that I think the approach of the privacy commissioner speaks to how responsibly witnesses are taking this important task before committee and I thank Mr. Radwanski for directing his--