Legislation opens witness protection to spies, military

Canada’s spy and defence agencies — not just police — would be able to refer people to the federal witness protection program under changes proposed Tuesday.

The Safer Witnesses Act, tabled in the House of Commons, would also make it easier for witnesses in provincial programs to obtain new identities.

The bill includes new restrictions on the disclosure of information, to help make the program more secure.

In addition, it increases the amount of time emergency protection may be provided to witnesses.

“An effective and reliable witness protection program is valuable in the fight against crime, especially organized crime and terrorism,” Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said in a statement.

The RCMP-administered program shields people who help the police by providing everything from short-term protection to permanent relocation and identity changes.

Revelations five years ago that a protectee committed a murder while in the program triggered a wave of review.

Some members have sued over their treatment in the program, while others have been kicked out.

Protection is currently available to witnesses referred from any police service in Canada, as well as from some foreign agencies.

Under the new legislation, federal departments and agencies with a mandate relating to national security, national defence or public safety would also be able to refer witnesses to the program.

The proposed federal changes follow recommendations from a Commons committee, an inquiry into the 1985 Air India bombing and extensive consultations with the provinces.

Several provinces have their own witness protection programs, but often they provide only short-term assistance. In addition, obtaining new federal identity documents for protectees requires co-operation with the Mounties.

The changes announced Tuesday are intended to simplify the process of obtaining these crucial documents and generally improve relations with provincial agencies.

Ontario and Alberta have been pushing for more federal recognition of their witness programs.

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