Public Safety Act 2002

April 30, 2002

In the wake of September 11, our government introduced Bill C-42, together with the Anti-Terrorism Act (Bill C-36) – bills designed to respond to the terrorist threat we all faced following the attacks, and still face today.

On April 24, after listening to the concerns of individual MPs, provinces, territories and other stakeholders, our government withdrew Bill C-42.

Yesterday, we introduced a new bill which contains important improvements and that strikes a balance between the need for enhanced security and the desire to respect Canadians’ rights and traditional values.

The new Bill:

• further defines and circumscribes the power of the Minister of National Defence to establish Controlled Access Military Zones and of other ministers to use interim orders in emergency situations, particularly through greater involvement of Parliament;
• provides more comprehensive parameters for the new terrorist hoax offences; and,
• provides strong measures to ensure accountability and transparency.

It also includes important new provisions that will make Canadians safer by:

• improving the capacity of federal departments and agencies involved in anti-terrorism and national security activities to share critical information and coordinate their work;
• providing for the smooth flow of information between Canada and its partners internationally, particularly the United States, in order to prevent terrorist activity and protect public safety; and,
• allowing the Government of Canada to provide financial assistance, where necessary, to enhance marine security.

At the same time, the Act retains the key elements from C-42, such as measures that will:

• clarify and update existing aviation security authorities to maximize the effectiveness of the aviation security system and enhance the ability of the Government of Canada to provide a safe and secure environment for aviation;
• deter irresponsible hoaxes that endanger the public or heighten public anxiety;
• establish tighter controls over explosives and hazardous substances, activities related to other dangerous substances such as pathogens and the export and transfer of technology;
• help identify and prevent harmful unauthorized use or interference with Defence computer systems and networks; and,
• deter the proliferation of biological weapons.

Yesterday’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to listen carefully to the input of Parliamentarians and Canadians on this most important bill.

This legislation is part of the Government of Canada's Anti-terrorism Plan which included the Anti-terrorism Act and was bolstered by a $7.7-billion investment in Budget 2001.

Where the Anti-terrorism Act focussed mainly on the criminal law aspects of combatting terrorism, this Bill addresses gaps in the federal legislative framework for public safety and protection.