OTTAWA — NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says proposed anti-terrorism legislation is so broadly worded it would allow the government to spy on its political enemies.
Mulcair takes exception to the bill’s mention of interference with infrastructure or economic stability as activity that undermines the security of Canada.
The Opposition leader says the wording is sufficiently vague to permit a Canadian Security Intelligence Service investigation of anyone who challenges the Conservatives’ social, economic or environmental policies.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper dismisses the suggestion, telling the House of Commons during question period the NDP had entered the realm of conspiracy theory and black helicopters.
The bill would give CSIS more power to disrupt suspected terror plots, thwart financial transactions and covertly interfere with radical websites.
It would also make it easier for the RCMP to obtain a peace bond to restrict the movements of suspects and extend the amount of time they can be kept in preventative detention.