TORONTO – Two groups say they plan to launch a charter challenge today against sections of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act, also known as Bill C-51.
In a joint statement, both the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression say sections of Bill C-51 violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms “in a manner that is not justified in a free and democratic society.”
Bill C-51 gives the Canadian Security Intelligence Service more power to thwart suspected terrorist plots – not just gather information about them.
It also increases the exchange of federal security information, broadens no-fly list powers and creates a new criminal offence of encouraging someone to carry out a terrorist attack.
The bill also makes 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.
The challenge will be filed with the Ontario Superior Court.
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