Where Canadian PM’s anti-terror travel ban came from

Canada Free Press ^ | 08/13/15 | Arthur Weinreb

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Once it is established a person travelled to a forbidden designated area, the onus is on them to convince intelligence agencies they were there for a legitimate un-terror related purpose

Earlier this week Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced if his Conservative Party retains power after the October 19 federal election, legislation would be introduced to ban travel to certain “designated areas.” Those who travel to these areas and cannot prove they did so for a legitimate non-terror related reason, will be subject to criminal prosecution.

It is already a crime in Canada to participate in or aid a terrorist group. But if someone travels to an area of the Islamic State and then returns, it is extremely difficult to prove that person did indeed participate in illegal activities. All they have to say is that they went to Iraq or Syria to visit their ailing Uncle Mohammed and it is pretty well impossible for Canadian authorities to prove otherwise.

This proposed legislation contains a reverse onus. Once it is established a person travelled to a forbidden designated area, the onus is on them to convince intelligence agencies they were there for a legitimate un-terror related purpose. Two example of these legitimate reasons were given by the Conservatives; doing humanitarian work or working as a journalist. If a legitimate purpose can be established, the person would not face any charges.

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