Mounties vs greenies: Canadian report into environmental ‘extremists’ sparks concern

Environmental groups in Canada have expressed concern over the nation's new anti-terrorism laws, after a report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reportedly made specific mention of the dangers of green activism.

The report, obtained by Greenpeace, said "anti-petrol" environmental advocacy groups pose a threat to Canadian security.

"There is a growing, highly organized and well-financed anti-Canada petroleum movement that consists of peaceful activists, militants and violent extremists who are opposed to society’s reliance on fossil fuels," it reads.

"If violent environmental extremists engage in unlawful activity, it jeopardizes the health and safety of its participants, the general public and the natural environment."

The Canadian government, headed by right-wing Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has put forward a new bill which would give security agencies more power to collection information on and disrupt groups suspected of terrorism.

Environmental activists could come under surveillance if they are suspected of promoting acts of civil disobedience.

Civil liberties advocates and environmental groups have protested the legislation and the tone of the report by the Mounties.