“I find that (anti-terror law) C-51 is going to really affect our Charter of Rights and Freedoms or in some cases, negate the Charter and I find that very offensive,” said military veteran David MacLeod as he withdrew his candidacy for the Liberal Party in the coming federal election.
Liberals supported the legislation
The anti-terror law was supported by the opposition Liberals with a few caveats. But civil libertarians, privacy commissioners, academics and MacLeod are concerned that it gives security forces more powers. These include the ability to go before a judge in secret and get permission to override some freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian constitution.
Agents could detain suspects based on less evidence and actively interfere with suspects’ travel plans and finances. They could also share private information about suspects with other government agencies.
MacLeod served in the Canadian Forces for 27 years in danger zones such as Afghanistan and Bosnia. He had planned to run for election in the eastern riding of the justice minister before changing his mind.
‘A repressive act which assaults Canadian liberty’
The Globe and Mail published part of MacLeod’s letter of withdrawal to the liberal party.
“As a soldier, I helped defend Canada’s democracy by participating in peacekeeping, peacemaking and war. Having opposed oppressive political systems in the name of Canadian democracy, I refuse to support any entity complicit in the creation of a repressive act which assaults Canadian liberty.”
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