Once again, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is using fear and patriotism to distract from reality and fact as parliamentarians consider renewing two of the most extraordinary and controversial powers of the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act. Extraordinary, because they give law-enforcement and security agencies broad powers to arrest Canadians without charge (preventative arrest) and compel them to testify against their will (investigative hearings); controversial, because legal experts, community leaders and respected human-rights organizations have warned that such broad and unprecedented powers may threaten Canadian protected liberties. Indeed, recognizing their unique nature, parliamentarians approved these provisions in 2001 as temporary measures that would automatically expire after five years. Of course, if, after review and sober second thought, Parliament decided to renew these powers, they could do so. That brings us to the debate before the House today. An all-party committee of Parliament reviewing the Anti-terrorism Act has recommended the two provisions be renewed, but with the addition of specific safeguards to prevent abuse and costly mistakes.

[ Read the rest ... ]