OTTAWA (AP) The government introduced a new anti-terrorism bill Monday, removing some controversial clauses contained in legislation abandoned last week and adding new powers for police and security officers to scan air manifests.
The new legislation, Bill C-55, replaces Bill C-42, which was withdrawn last week after criticism from all sides, including Liberal MPs, the opposition and human rights activists.
Transport Minister David Collenette said the new legislation shows the government listened.
"The new legislation responds to the concerns we have heard," he said.
The bill tones down a section critics said would let the military set up wide exclusion zones around events such as the G-8 meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June.
Defense Minister Art Eggleton said the new law will allow designated security zones only to protect Canadian or visiting military personnel and equipment.
However, the bill will allow Mounties and security service officers to scan air passenger manifests for possible terrorists or for anyone with an outstanding warrant for a serious offense, described as any criminal offense carrying a penalty of five years or more in prison.
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