NDP Wants To Scrap Proposed New Spy Powers, Boost Intelligence Oversight

OTTAWA — The New Democrats want to scrap proposed new powers for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, bolster review of intelligence activities and enhance anti-radicalization programs.

NDP public safety critic Randall Garrison says the party continues to believe the government's anti-terrorism bill is dangerous and ineffective after hearing from four dozen witnesses at the House of Commons public safety committee.

The committee plans to begin examining the bill clause-by-clause next week, and the NDP laid out about 40 amendments at a news conference today. 

Under the bill, CSIS could take clandestine measures that violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as long as a judge sanctions the actions.  

The legislation would also it easier for police to limit the movements of a suspect, expand no-fly list powers, take aim at extremist propaganda on the Internet and dismantle barriers to sharing security-related information.

The Conservatives brought in the 62-page security bill following the murders of two Canadian soldiers just days apart last October.