The US Attorney General John Ashcroft has defended the FBI expanded investigative powers to monitor the activities of people and organisations suspected of plotting terrorist acts. FBI agents will now be able to monitor people at any public event or place if they suspect a terrorist plot without seeking approval from FBI headquarters.

The Canadian government considers making an agreement with Japan that would essentially ban the majority of Japanese immigrants coming into the country. The Canadian government would permit a total of 150 Japanese immigrants to come into he country each year to work as farm laborers or household servants.