Update on the Government’s Efforts to Fight Terrorism

September 27, 2001

We are constantly re-examining and improving our methods and processes – to improve domestic security, information sharing and investigation methods, as well as our working relationships with other governments to deal with new and emerging threats.

In our continuing effort to counter terrorism in Canada, we have announced the following new measures:

The government is moving quickly to introduce new criminal law to implement the UN Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing and the UN Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing.

In addition, we are considering introducing amendments to the Canada Evidence Act and the Official Secrets Act, so as to further protect national security.

We are also reviewing our existing legislative framework, including the Criminal Code, Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Statutes to ensure that we have all the necessary tools in place to respond to terrorism.

We will work with our counterparts in the other G8 nations in reviewing our legislation.

Instructions have been issued to intensify screening of all arrivals at our ports of entry, including persons claiming refugee status.

The creation of a new fraud-resistant identification card for permanent residents has been given priority.

We are accelerating the purchase of ultra-sophisticated bomb-detection devices for Canadian airports.

National Revenue Minister Martin Cauchon met yesterday with the U.S. Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci to discuss border issues.

Canada and the U.S. are moving in exactly the same direction: we both believe that it is crucial for our economies to keep travel between our countries easy, open and secure.

Last Monday, Prime Minister Chrétien and President Bush agreed that the movement of goods across our border should be normalized as soon as possible.