Ten Ways to Improve Canadian Anti-Terrorism Law

Abstract

In this article, I propose ten specific ways in which concrete improvements can be made to Canadian anti-terrorism law and the national security components of Canadian immigration law. Although Canada's criminal anti-terrorism law is more restrained than that of some other countries, including recent laws and proposals in the United Kingdom, this should not be taken as a sign that there is no room for improvement. It should also not be assumed that improvements to the law will increase rights and freedoms at the expense of security. Indeed some of the improvements to Canadian law that are suggested below could assist the state in focusing on the most serious threats to our security. Some could also help prevent the wrongful conviction or detention of those who are not terrorists (which may allow the guilty to go free) while ensuring that Canada's response to terrorism is properly focused and proportionate.