Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015

Definition

The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 is a Canadian law that aims to enhance national security by providing law enforcement and intelligence agencies with increased powers to prevent and respond to terrorist activities. This legislation was introduced in the context of rising global terrorism and aims to strengthen Canada's legal framework for countering threats while balancing civil liberties and public safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 expanded the powers of CSIS, allowing them to disrupt potential terrorist activities through proactive measures.
2. The legislation introduced provisions for the sharing of information among government agencies to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts.
3. It also included a controversial clause allowing for preventative detention of individuals suspected of planning terrorist acts.
4. The act aimed to balance national security concerns with civil liberties by establishing oversight mechanisms for the new powers granted to agencies.
5. Public response to the act included significant debate over the implications for privacy rights and the potential for misuse of increased powers.

Review Questions

• How did the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 change the landscape of national security in Canada?
  • The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 significantly altered Canada's national security landscape by granting greater powers to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. It allowed CSIS to take preventative actions against potential terrorist threats, which marked a shift from a purely reactive approach to one that emphasizes proactive measures. This change aimed to address the growing concern over terrorism both domestically and internationally.
• Evaluate the balance between civil liberties and national security in the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015. What measures were put in place to ensure oversight?
  • The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 attempted to strike a balance between enhancing national security and protecting civil liberties through oversight mechanisms. The act included provisions that mandated judicial oversight of certain actions taken by intelligence agencies, such as surveillance and preventative detention. However, critics raised concerns about the adequacy of these safeguards in preventing abuse of power and protecting individual rights.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 on Canadian society's view of terrorism and government authority.
  • The long-term implications of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 on Canadian society include a heightened awareness and fear of terrorism alongside a complex relationship with government authority. As the act grants expanded powers to law enforcement and intelligence agencies, it has sparked ongoing discussions about the trade-off between security and personal freedoms. Over time, this could lead to a more vigilant public regarding national security issues while also fostering skepticism about government overreach and its impact on civil rights.

Related terms

Bill C-51: The official designation of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015, which was introduced in Parliament as a response to the perceived need for stronger anti-terrorism measures.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS): Canada's primary intelligence agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting intelligence related to national security threats, including terrorism.

Public Safety Canada: A department of the Canadian government responsible for national security and emergency preparedness, including overseeing policies related to counter-terrorism.