ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses Canada and the UK's political structures, including government types and mechanisms for parliamentary oversight of anti-terrorism measures. It begins with a discussion of how, and to what extent, the country's government type influenced the evolution of security certificates or Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs). The Commission of Inquiry relating to Maher Arar, which itself can also be considered part of Canada's political structure, had recommended the creation of an enhanced review and complaints body to oversee the entire national security apparatus. The chapter analyses how, and to what extent, the coalition government within the UK has had an effect on the study, discussion and amendment of TPIMs. Parliamentary committees can suggest improvements to counter-terrorism measures that reinforce the recommendations of other domestic committees. The chapter outlines a number of concerns that The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) and its advocates have with many of the elements that still remain within the TPIMs legislation.
