I never understood the view of some Americans who somehow think Canada will be a sort of “safe haven” destination after the financial system blows up. That it is some sort of bastion of freedom and democracy. For those that still adhere to this view, you’d better take a close look at the new “anti-terror” legislation being jammed through at the moment, Bill S-7.
Meanwhile, how convenient was it that Canada just happened to “foil” a terrorist plot just as this bill was being voted on. From the CBC:
A new anti-terrorism bill, which passed the House of Commons Wednesday night and received royal assent Thursday, revives provisions from the Anti-terrorism Act passed just after the Sept. 11 attacks and adds some new ones.
“Royal assent.” Sounds appropriately neo-feudal doesn’t it.
Some controversial measures, such as investigative hearings and preventive detentions, which some fear might violate civil rights, have been restored. Some new sections in the bill seem tailored to thwart the early planning stages of an act of terrorism.
Here are eight things to know about the bill passed this week:
1. Investigative hearings are reinstated
An individual can be forced to appear at a secret hearing without any charges being laid if authorities believe he or she has knowledge of a terrorist activity. The individual must appear and answer questions or risk being jailed for up to 12 months.
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