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[np_storybar title=”” link=””]S-7 at a glance

Members of Parliament are debating Bill S-7, which makes amendments to the Criminal Code, the Canada Evidence Act and the Security of Information Act.

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Q: When was S-7 introduced?

A: The ‘Combating Terrorism Act’ was introduced in the Senate in February, 2012. The Senate passed it in May, 2012. It was introduced in the House of Commons in June 2012, after passing the Senate (it must go through both chambers).

Q: Why did it take so long to become law?

A: It wasn’t called for debate at second reading until October, 2012. It was reported back to the House from a Commons committee in December, 2012. There a one-day of debate in February, then another in March for third reading.

Q: What does the bill do?

A: The bill is meant to bring back to two clauses that were first passed after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror, but which were allowed to lapse in March 2007. One clause deals with investigative hearings – which allow the police, with the consent of the Attorney General of Canada, to force a person to appear at a hearing to answer questions related to past or future terrorist offences. Another clause is about “recognizance with conditions” – essentially preventive arrest to stop terrorist activities before they occur.