Important Decision Ahead For Canada

[HelloHockeyFans]

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/n...c2e7f2&k=77048

"In one of their first and most significant encounters with anti-terrorism laws, several Supreme Court of Canada judges appeared reluctant yesterday to put the rights of people accused of having al-Qaeda ties ahead of national security concerns."

So where do you sit on the fence?

Should the government be allowed to detain non-Canadians indefinitely, without charges, if they are deemed to be a threat to national security?

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/n...c2e7f2&k=77048

"In one of their first and most significant encounters with anti-terrorism laws, several Supreme Court of Canada judges appeared reluctant yesterday to put the rights of people accused of having al-Qaeda ties ahead of national security concerns."

So where do you sit on the fence?

Should the government be allowed to detain non-Canadians indefinitely, without charges, if they are deemed to be a threat to national security?

It depends on what a threat to national security means. If they're caught with bomb-making materials or a plot to kill the PM then absolutely. If they've only visited an extremist-Islamic website I don't think so.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/n...c2e7f2&k=77048

"In one of their first and most significant encounters with anti-terrorism laws, several Supreme Court of Canada judges appeared reluctant yesterday to put the rights of people accused of having al-Qaeda ties ahead of national security concerns."

So where do you sit on the fence?

Should the government be allowed to detain non-Canadians indefinitely, without charges, if they are deemed to be a threat to national security?

As much as I am for maintaining Canadian security and removing anyone who wants to plot against Canada, I have a problem with detaining someone indefinitely. They need to take them to trial or remove them from Canada. Its not right to hold someone without their day in court. I also believe that if they are not Canadian, officials should have the power to remove them from Canada if they are not wanted here.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I agree with jofm above--and I would add that we have an opportunity to show the US that we can fight terrorism without compromising our civil rights. It is important to find a balance--you can't be releasing dangerous people into the streets--but if we can find a way to have judicial oversight and strong enforcement of existing laws, I think that we can really be the "beacon of freedom" that Bush claims the US is. I hope we rise to the challenge.