Article content

A private-members bill that would exclude returning terrorists from provincial programs passed second reading Thursday.

Introduced Oct. 22 by Tory MPP Dave Smith, Bill 46 — the Terrorist Activities Sanctions Act — excludes those who’ve carried out terrorist acts abroad from such privileges as holding a driver’s licence or accessing provincial health coverage.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Terror Sanctions Act one step closer to becoming law Back to video

During Thursday’s debate in Ontario’s legislature, Smith recalled speaking to Toronto’s Maureen Basnicki, whose husband, Ken, was one of 23 Canadians killed in the 9/11 attacks.

“Maureen shared her story with me, and the struggle her family’s gone through,” said a visibly emotional Smith, who added al-Qaida — the terror group behind the attacks, — still operates.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or

“That organization has given birth to other terror organizations, groups our Canadian soldiers are … currently fighting against.”

The Tories said Bill 46 fills dangerous gaps left by the federal Liberals’ failure to keep track of Canadians who join overseas terror groups like ISIS, and then return.