DHAKA: Legislation that would dramatically expand the powers of Canada’s spy agency has cleared a key hurdle.

The House of Commons on Wednesday approved the Anti-Terror Act, which was spurred by last year’s attack on parliament.

The act would give the spy agency the ability to operate overseas and make preventative arrests, reports the BBC.

Dominated by the Conservative party, the Senate is expected to approve the act before June.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been a staunch supporter of the bill, which criminalises the promotion of terrorism, including via the internet.

“There is a high probability of jihadist attacks from within,” Canadian Defence Minister Jason Kenney said. “The threat of terrorism has never been greater.”

The bill also makes it easier for police to arrest and detain individuals without charge.

BDST: 1140 HRS, MAY 07, 2015
BD/