Government defends security certificate process in high court submission

OTTAWA – The federal government says suspected terrorists and spies detained under national security certificates do not have a right to full disclosure of information in the case against them.

The federal arguments, filed in advance of a high court hearing next month, are a staunch defence of the controversial security certificate process — a rarely used immigration tactic that critics say is tantamount to a secret trial.

The Supreme Court proceeding will decide just how open the process should be when the government wants to deport a non-citizen who is branded a threat to national security.

The high court agreed last year to hear a challenge of the security certificate system from Algerian refugee Mohamed Harkat.

It will also review key issues related to evidence in the case of Harkat, arrested in Ottawa more than a decade ago under a certificate.

In a submission to the Supreme Court, Harkat’s lawyers argue the process is unconstitutional because it does not provide the person named in a certificate enough information about the allegations they face.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.