Demonstrations are planned in at least 56 communities across Canada on Saturday (March 14) to stop the Canadian government’s proposed anti-terrorism law, C-51.
Organizers are concerned that the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015, Bill C-51, will dramatically widen the powers of Canadian authorities to fight terrorism at the cost of civil liberties. The law will permit spying on Canadians, the sharing of information, the commission of illegal acts, and disruptions of national threats.
On the Lead Now website promoting the demonstrations, organizers write: “Experts have pointed out that, if passed, the bill will create a secret police force with little oversight or accountability, facilitate government spying and information sharing on innocent Canadians, and open [the] door to a variety of violations of our Charter Rights.”
The Open Media organization points out on its website that “If the bill passes, no less than 17 government agencies and even foreign governments will also have access to your sensitive private information. We’re talking about sensitive information that can reveal everything from your financial status, to your medical history, your sexual orientation, and even your religious and political beliefs.”
Canada’s Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who has raised numerous concerns about the legislation, says “Canadians from coast to coast to coast are speaking up this Saturday against Bill C-51, and the Green Party will stand in solidarity with them.”
The Canadian government says it needs to broaden the powers of authorities and the police to fight the terrorist threat. The increased powers will allow not only for information sharing, but the use of illegal acts, and disruptions of national threats.
More information:
LeadNow.ca – Defend Our Freedom: National Day Of Action To Stop The Secret Police Bill – here
OpenMedia.org – Defend our Freedom: Stop Secret Police Bill C-51 – openmedia.org/stopc51/
Green Party of Canada – C51 National Day of Action – here
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