Canada tightens laws on terrorism

Associated Press

OTTAWA — Canada’s House of Commons approved a sweeping anti-terrorism bill Wednesday, despite criticism the measure wrongly curtailed civil liberties and was an overreaction to the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States.

The chamber voted 190-47 in favor of the bill, with support from the ruling Liberal Party and most members of the opposition Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party. The leftist New Democratic Party and separatist Bloc Quebecois opposed the measure.

Several members were absent, including Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who is leading a trade mission to Texas.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which is expected to approve it. Justice Minister Anne McLellan, who sponsored the measure, says the government wants it enacted by Christmas.

Drafted in the weeks after the attacks that killed and injured thousands in the United States, the bill’s provisions include:

Prison sentences of up to life for planning terrorist attacks, 14 years for participation in terrorist groups or facilitating terrorist activities, and 10 years for harboring terrorists or raising money for terrorists.

Permitting the arrest of people without warrants to prevent terrorist acts.

Easing restrictions on police to obtain and use wiretaps.

Allowing assets of terrorists and their supporters to be frozen or seized.

Curtailing the public release of sensitive information involving terrorist investigations and criminal cases.