Liberals say they're open to upcoming Tory terror bill
OTTAWA-
The Liberals say they will only support the government's upcoming terror bill if it includes oversight mechanisms for security agencies.
Despite the government's caginess on its contents, information leaked to media indicates it will broadly expand police surveillance powers. It will also outlaw the nebulous-sounding "promotion of terror."
The bill is expected to be tabled Friday.
Speaking earlier this week following a meeting of the House public safety committee, Liberal public safety critic Wayne Easter said those laws already exist - from preventative arrests and peace bonds to outlawing anyone who's gone abroad to participate in terrorism from trying to return.
"One key question is: Why have current laws not been utilized to the full extent we think they should be?"
On Wednesday, Easter said the Liberals remain "very open to what the government will propose."
Easter denied this might mean the party is softening its stance on Canada's military involvement in Iraq. The Liberals voted against sending fighter jets to assist in airstike against the Islamic State there.
"No, this is not a shift at all," he said. "We do think there should be a different strategy employed, one with the emphasis on humanitarian aid."
But the Liberals have a "serious caveat on this bill," he said, "and that is that there needs to be proper oversight of security agencies."
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Liberals say they're open to upcoming Tory terror bill