Anti-Terrorism Legislation
Monday November 19, 2001
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg--Transcona, NDP): Mr.
Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice who has argued in recent
weeks, in defence of Bill C-36, that September 11 changed the world.
Unfortunately for Canadians, who are worried about
Bill C-36, they might be less worried if they felt that the government's
attitude toward peaceful protesters had changed. Yet that does not seem to have
been the case this weekend in Ottawa.
Is the minister not concerned about the treatment of
some peaceful protesters on the weekend? Will she be asking for a report from
those in charge and making a statement in the House as to how this supports her
position on Bill C-36?
Hon. Lawrence MacAulay (Solicitor General of
Canada, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government has always supported peaceful
protest. However, what we will not support is violence.
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg--Transcona, NDP): Mr.
Speaker, it is a question of trust.
I want to ask the Minister of Justice: why should
the government be trusted with new powers in which it may use these powers and
not be able to distinguish between real terrorists and non-terrorists if at the
moment it cannot distinguish between peaceful protesters and violent
protesters?
Is she not concerned about the reputation the
government has developed? Why should we trust her or anyone else on that side
with increased powers when they cannot use the powers they already have
judiciously?
Hon. Anne McLellan (Minister of Justice and
Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I think it is fair to say
that most reasonable people would say that the police appointed themselves and
conducted themselves admirably on the weekend.
The hon. member and I have engaged in this
discussion before. I believe the definition of terrorist activity in Bill C-36
is clear. However I have also indicated that I am open to considering further
clarifications to the definition that will deal with the concerns of the hon.
member and others.
