The Ontario government has proposed a new act to protect critical facilities. The legislation, known as The Security for Courts, Electricity Generating Facilities and Nuclear Facilities Act, focuses on courthouse security, nuclear facilities and large electricity generating facilities.

The new legislation would replace the existing, outdated Public Works Protection Act, which was introduced between 1939 and 1945 to protect hydroelectric facilities against enemies during the World War II.

“Protecting, both, individual civil liberties and our essential infrastructure is something Ontarians expect and what this bill is all about,” says Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. “Working with civil liberty groups, law associations, and community safety partners and experts, this is a transparent, modern and focused approach that achieves this important and necessary balance.”

This will be the third time that legislation has been introduced in the province to repeal the Public Works Protection Act.