Liberal MP Ralph Goodale says his party continues to support allowing two key powers in the Anti-Terrorism Act to expire, but would be willing to hear proposals to amend the provisions to protect civil liberties.
"If the government has some other propositions to put forward, some other ideas that reflect those checks and balances that have been recommended by the professionals, we would consider what those checks and balances are," Goodale told Canada AM Thursday.
"But the government has presented nothing but a take it or leave it proposition."
The remarks come as The Canadian Press reports that a Senate panel will call on the government Thursday to renew two elements of the controversial anti-terrorism measures for three more years -- but with new safeguards attached that take into account concerns about civil liberties.
One element gives police the power to make preventive arrests and detain for 72 hours those suspected of planning a terrorist attack.
The other requires anyone with information relevant to the investigation of a terrorist act to appear before a judge.
Those provisions are due to expire as early as March 1.
It remains unclear what sort of safeguards the senators will recommend to ensure the anti-terror powers don't infringe on Canadians' basic liberties.
The issue could become the first real test of Liberal leader Stephane Dion's leadership. On Wednesday, he instructed caucus members they must oppose renewal of the measures. Some reports say that Dion warned his MPs that those who defy him may not be allowed to run for the party in the next election.
The issue is divisive because the Senate panel recommending the extension is chaired by a Liberal, David Smith, who says their recommendations offer an even-handed approach to both securing Canada and respecting the rights of citizens.
"We've tried to look at everything so that it's in balance," he told CP.
Two elements of the Anti-Terrorism Act, one dealing with the definition of terrorism; the other addressing security of information, have already been struck down by courts in Ontario.
The federal government has been awaiting the parliamentary reports before taking any steps to redraft those elements.
On Wednesday, during a fractious question period in the Commons, Prime Minister Stephen Harper noted the anti-terror measures were introduced and passed by a Liberal government.
"Everyone knows that the entire front bench of the Liberal party supported these laws until two weeks ago, when the leader of the Liberal party started playing caucus games with the safety and security of Canadians. He should be ashamed of himself," he said.
Dion says he won't change his mind about his position, despite reported pressure from party members who worry that he has been influenced by Sikh and Muslim groups.
"The decision is final and we made a good decision for Canadians," Dion told reporters earlier this week.
The NDP and Bloc Quebecois also plan to oppose renewing the anti-terror clauses.
Neither of the clauses has ever been used.
