The word "lawful" will be dropped following concerns the provision could be used to go beyond genuine security threats to ensnare those who hold peaceful demonstrations without an official permit or despite a court order.

Critics also objected to a clause that would allow disclosure of information beyond listed federal agencies "to any person, for any purpose" — language that will be dropped.

"Yes, there will be amendments to C-51," Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said in Saint-Gilles, Que. on Friday.

"I trust the committee members. The committee will determine which amendments are the most worthy to ensure a bill that is even more efficient and to ensure the protection of Canadians? while at the same time respecting rights and freedoms."

Asked what the amendments will be, Blaney replied: "I will let committee members make the amendments. I don't want to say too much."

The New Democrats want the government to go farther and nix the proposed new CSIS powers, bolster review of intelligence activities, and enhance anti-radicalization programs.

Earlier, before word of the federal amendments emerged, NDP public safety critic Randall Garrison said his party believes the bill is "dangerous and ineffective" following testimony from four dozen witnesses at the House of Commons public safety committee.

The committee plans to examine the bill clause-by-clause Tuesday, and the NDP laid out several suggested amendments of its own at a news conference Friday.

CSIS assumed many of the RCMP's security and intelligence functions in 1984 following a series of Mountie scandals — including the burning of a barn where alleged radicals planned to meet. The idea was to have one service, CSIS, gather intelligence and another, the RCMP, build a criminal case and make arrests.

"There's a good reason for keeping the collection of intelligence separate from the enforcement functions of the RCMP," Garrison said.

The NDP, which plans to vote against the bill, would completely rewrite the information-exchange provisions to ensure they cover only actual threats to Canadian security. The party would also restore the inspector general of CSIS, a watchdog role that was abolished three years ago.

The Liberals plan to support the bill, but have also suggested amendments to bolster review and ensure charter rights are respected.

During question period Friday, Justice Minister Peter MacKay signalled the government had no plans to waver on core elements of the legislation.

"This is a bill aimed directly at giving our security agencies the necessary support, tools, legislation and resources to go after people who are directly targeting Canada."

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By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press