Federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews was released from an Ottawa hospital today, after being treated for an irregular heartbeat.

Toews was admitted to Ottawa Civic Hospital on Monday with what was originally believed to be flu-like symptoms.

But tests revealed he actually had atrial fibrillation, a common form of irregular heartbeat. It was treated non-surgically and Toews was released on Tuesday afternoon, according to a release from his office.

"I would sincerely like to thank all those involved in providing me with top-notch care during this medical event," Toews said in a statement.

"I would also like to thank the many people who have sent well wishes," he added.

"These simple reminders of support and encouragement — particularly across party lines — go a long way when dealing with a medical situation. I am fortunate to be surrounded by the highest quality of parliamentary colleagues, family and friends."

A spokesman for Toews said on Monday that the minister had been battling a seasonal flu for the past few weeks, so he was taken to hospital for observation.

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• What's In Online-Snooping Bill

  Like similar legislation introduced in the past by both Conservative and Liberal governments, the new bill includes provisions that would: <em>With files from CBC</em> (Shutterstock)

• Warantless Online Info

  Require telecommunications and internet providers to give subscriber data to police, national security agencies and the Competition Bureau without a warrant, including names, phone numbers and IP addresses. (CP)

• Back Door Access

  Force internet providers and other makers of technology to provide a "back door" to make communications accessible to police. (Getty)

• Location, Location, Location

  Allow police to get warrants to obtain information transmitted over the internet and data related to its transmission, including locations of individuals and transactions. (Alamy)

• Preserve Data

  Allow courts to compel other parties to preserve electronic evidence. (Alamy)

• New Bill Is Different

  However, unlike the most recent previous version of the bill, the new legislation: (Alamy)

• Less Data

  Requires telecommunications providers to disclose, without a warrant, just six types of identifiers from subscriber data instead of 11. (Alamy)

• Oversight

  Provides for an internal audit of warrantless requests that will go to a government minister and oversight review body. Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews is pictured. (CP)

• Review After 5 Years

  Includes a provision for a review after five years. (Alamy)

• More Time To Implement

  Allows telecommunications service providers to take 18 months instead of 12 months to buy equipment that would allow police to intercept communications. (Alamy)

• Expanded Definitions

  Changes the definition of hate propaganda to include communication targeting sex, age and gender. (Alamy)