The Saskatchewan NDP held a leadership convention over the weekend to select a successor to Lorne Calvert, who is retiring from politics. The victor was Dwaine Lingenfelter, long time party stalwart who was a key member of the inner circle of the cabinet during the government of Roy Romanow. But the campaign for the leadership and the convention showed deep divisions within the party.

I have carefully read the definitions under Canada’s proposed Anti-Terrorist Act to determine what is “terrorist activity.” First, it is clear that no existing government can be guilty of a terrorist act, no matter what it does. That is why all the governments of the world, including the United States, China and Russia, are passing similar legislation. Only those who oppose existing governments can be guilty of terrorism.

Under the Canadian legislation terrorist activities are committed for political, religious or ideological purposes.