The fight against terrorism requires striking a delicate balance. On the one hand, terrorism represents a unique and potentially devastating threat to national security, and the public must be protected through vigilant intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement. On the other hand, Canada has a strong history of commitment to human rights and the rule of law, as evidenced by the Canadian Bill of Rights, the common law and the Civil Code, and the Canadian constitution, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the ratification of various international human rights agreements. Attempting to safeguard civil liberties and freedom while also keeping people safe from the threat of terrorism is not an easy feat. The purpose of detecting, preventing, acting lawfully against and prosecuting terrorist acts is to keep Canada and Canadians safe from those who would imperil our democratic freedom, core values and tolerant way of life, by harming Canadians through acts of violence. We must keep in mind what and who we are protecting, as well as how best to protect Canadians against a diverse and serious threat spectrum. The study undertaken by the Special Senate Committee on
Anti-terrorism (the Committee) seeks to determine how best such a balance can be struck in this
country and its resultant recommendations set out guidelines to help in achieving the end of
keeping Canadians both safe and free.