Constituency Referendum #3: Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act (2001 Fall)
Fall 2001
On November 28, 2001, the House of Commons voted on Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act, which was Canada’s initial legislative response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Mr. Reid had concern over the bill’s restrictions of civil liberties, and the absence of a sunset clause that would force Parliament to re-enact the provisions after a given length of time.
Mr. Reid sent a mailer to each household in his riding, asking whether he should vote for Bill C-36 at Third Reading if the bill did not contain a sunset clause.
In Vote No. 190, available in the House of Commons’ Journals of Wednesday November 28, 2001, Mr. Reid voted against Bill C-36, as instructed to do by a majority of his constituents who responded to his riding referendum mailer by the time of the vote. Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act, was adopted by a vote of 189 for and 47 against, without a sunset clause.
Posted in: Constituency Referenda