Conservatives Studying Anti-terrorism Bill Reject Opposition Changes

OTTAWA — The Conservatives have used their majority on the House of Commons public safety committee to vote down the first wave of opposition amendments to the federal anti-terrorism bill.

As clause-by-clause consideration got under way today, opposition MPs from four parties put forward suggested changes to the 62-page security bill.

Among the rejected amendments were a built-in expiry clause for new provisions and a requirement that the privacy commissioner report annually to the public safety minister on expanded information-sharing powers.

The government bill would give the Canadian Security Intelligence Service more power to thwart suspected terrorist plots — not just gather information about them.

It would also increase the exchange of federal security information, broaden no-fly list powers and create a new criminal offence of encouraging someone to carry out a terrorism attack.

In addition, the bill would make it easier for the RCMP to obtain a peace bond to restrict the movements of suspects and extend the amount of time they can be kept in preventative detention.