[R-G] Tories seek to revive anti-terror powers

[Anthony Fenton]

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/600178

Tories seek to revive anti-terror powers
March 11, 2009

OTTAWA – The Conservative government is moving to restore  
extraordinary police and judicial powers dropped from the federal Anti- 
Terrorism Act two years ago.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson gave parliamentary notice yesterday  
that he will bring in legislation to renew police powers of preventive  
arrest in cases where a terrorist act is perceived to be imminent.

The bill, which could be introduced in the Commons as early as  
tomorrow, is also expected to reinstate investigative hearings in  
which people believed to have knowledge of terrorist activity can be  
compelled to testify before a judge.

The provisions were part of the anti-terror legislation rushed through  
Parliament in late 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

But both the arrest and hearing provisions lapsed under a five-year  
sunset clause in 2007 when the Liberal opposition refused to vote for  
their continuance.