The Conservative government introduced its expansive new anti-terrorism bill on Friday, which makes it a crime to encourage terrorism, expands the no-fly list, and allows for authorities to detain a suspect for longer without charge.
The most significant change, however, comes in the remaking of Canada’s spies – from an information collection agency of sorts to a body with real power and responsibility.
READ MORE: Are you already violating the feds’ anti-terror bill?
POWER TO DISRUPT
The role of Canada’s spy agency is changing. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service, known as CSIS, currently has the right to collect and analyze information and to advise the government. Under the Conservatives’ new bill, the agency would be allowed to directly disrupt terrorist threats.
HOW TO DISRUPT?
Under the new bill, CSIS officials would be allowed to seek a court order to cancel travel plans, interrupt banking transactions or weigh in on electronic communications, such as websites or on social media. But it is subject to a judge’s approval, and a warrant is needed if the activity goes against the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
WHERE TO DISRUPT?
If CSIS believes a particular activity constitutes a threat to Canada, officials can take measures both within or outside Canada, to reduce the threat. The law says the measures “shall be reasonable and proportional to the circumstances.”
KEEP THE MINISTER INFORMED
The agency has to keep the public safety minister up to date on the disruptions. And the body that oversees CSIS, the Security Intelligence Review Committee, has to review at least one aspect of CSIS’ measures to reduce threats its annual report to Parliament.
MORE SHARED INFORMATION
The bill would give government institutions the authority to share information amongst themselves in respect to activities that “undermine the security of Canada.”
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