Subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6

Sous-comité de la Sécurité publique et nationale du Comité permanent de la justice, des droits de la personne, de la sécurité publique et de la protection civile

For immediate release

Ottawa, December 16, 2004 - The Subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security will today begin its review of the Anti-terrorism Act, adopted by the Parliament of Canada three years ago in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

This review will give effect to section 145 of the Anti-terrorism Act, which states that a comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of the Act must be undertaken by a parliamentary committee within three years after the Act receives royal assent.

By an order of reference adopted on December 9, 2004, the House of Commons mandated the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to undertake this review. The Committee delegated this task to one of its subcommittees, the recently created Subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security.

To complete this review, the Subcommittee will be holding public hearings during winter and spring 2005, with a view to tabling a report in the House of Commons in autumn of the same year.

Those interested in appearing before the Committee are invited to submit their request in writing to the Subcommittee Clerk by February 11, 2005:

Wayne Cole
Room 647
180 Wellington Street
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 944-7492
Fax: (613) 947-4177
E-mail: colew@parl.gc.ca

The Subcommittee is hoping to hear from as many groups as it can during the upcoming hearings. The Clerk will communicate with those selected to appear to provide necessary information concerning dates and times of the Subcommittee’s hearings, the time allowed for presentations, and other details.

Those not selected, or unable, to appear before the Subcommittee for whatever reason may still make their views known. Written submissions may be submitted to the Clerk no later than February 28, 2005 and will be made available to members of the Committee.

Witnesses scheduled to appear before the Committee and unfamiliar with the committee process may consult the guide for witnesses at http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoCom/documents/Witness/witness-e.htm.

Persons and groups preparing written submissions may consult the guide for preparing briefs at http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoCom/documents/guide-brief-e.htm.

The Subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security consists of seven Members of Parliament representing all of the parties recognized in the House. The Subcommittee is chaired by Mr. Paul Zed, MP for Saint John.