November 22, 2001

As part of its Anti-Terrorism Plan, the government today introduced a new package of public safety measures: the Public Safety Act.

The Act would amend some 19 federal laws in order to strengthen the Government's ability to improve the safety of Canadians, to prevent terrorist attacks and to respond swiftly if a significant threat should arise.

While it would most prominently amend the Aeronautics Act and the Immigration Act, the Public Safety Act would also, among other measures:

Amend the Criminal Code to penalize those who intend to cause fear of death or bodily harm by initiating hoaxes that either disseminate false information about explosives or other lethal devices, or deploy imitation explosives or other lethal devices.

Establish tighter controls over explosives by amending the federal Explosives Act. It would also define "illicit trafficking", aligning Canada's legislation with the Organization of American States' (OAS) 1997 Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and other related materials.

Amend the Export and Import Permits Act to provide for explicit control over the export and transfer of military and strategically sensitive technology. It would also provide the Minister of Foreign Affairs with authority to consider general security concerns when assessing applications for permits to export or transfer goods or technology.

Amend the National Defence Act to provide job protection for reservists called for emergency service; establish temporary "military security zones" when needed to better protect personnel, property and equipment; and prevent unauthorized use of or interference with Defence computer systems.

Give Ministers the authority to issue an interim order if immediate action is required to deal with a serious threat – direct or indirect – to health, safety, security, or the environment. This authority would be subject to specific requirements and limits.

Amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) Act to provide FINTRAC with the ability to share compliance-related information with various agencies that regulate and supervise financial institutions and financial intermediaries, such as the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

In addition, the Public Safety Act will enact the Biological and Toxin Weapons Conventions Implementation Act, which will prohibit biological weapons and agents that do not have a peaceful purpose and will provide a more complete legal basis to regulate dual-use biological agents in Canada.