Bill C-51 Raises the Question: Is it 2015 or 1984?
I’ve been vocally opposed to Bill C-51 on this blog since talks first began last October. And as an increasing number of details come to the surface about the proposed bill’s flaws, I’ve become even more determined to openly share the reasons why we as Canadians need to take a stand against this dangerous and worrisome legislation.
As discussed in my last post, Bill C-51 plans to provide the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) with increased ability to “disrupt terrorist plots” by mitigating terrorist propaganda, expanding the no-fly list, and limiting the movement of suspects. It would also make it easier for government agencies to share information regarding any people or activities deemed to “undermine the security of Canada”.
That’s a broad, and as of yet, undefined phrase. Exactly what constitutes “undermining the security of Canada”? One recently leaked RCMP intelligence assessment entitled, “Criminal Threats to the Canadian Petroleum Industry”, implies that Bill C-51 will seek to target environmental and First Nation climate activists, claiming their demonstrations have the capacity to go beyond peaceful actions and disrupt Canada’s economic security.
It makes me wonder: Who exactly are the “terrorists” that Bill C-51 seeks to protect us from? Stephen Harper would have us believe the enemy is Jihadi extremists who “hate us because we love freedom and tolerance”. There is little “freedom and tolerance” reflected in the direction of this piece of legislation. Legislation that will put a chill on the free expression of our opposition to the current government’s economic agenda does not promote freedom. Legislation that will, in essence, transform government workers into spies (without any formal training in security work) promotes suspicion, not tolerance.
We as Canadians need to take a hard look at where and to whom we are handing over such unprecedented power to monitor our actions, and seriously consider whether this legislation could even accomplish the security goals it is promising in its current configuration. Our rights to peaceful demonstration and political dissent are integral to our identity as free Canadians. It’s my belief that Bill C-51 has dangerous implications. It is in my opinion that it is a political precursor to a police state and serves as a massive threat to individual liberty, privacy, and free expression. And as British Columbia Premier Christy Clark recently remarked, “When you give up personal freedoms, it’s very hard to get them back”.
If you have experienced interferences from police or other government agencies in your daily activities, or have been subject to an arbitrary arrest, you need to immediately seek legal representation. Reach out to my office today for a free and confidential consultation. Both as a Canadian citizen and a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Toronto, I am committed to standing against government and police actions which unreasonably invade our privacy and trivialize our Charter rights. I will continue to strive for the best possible results for each and every one of my clients in this regard.
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What is your biggest concern about Bill C-51? Do you feel this legislation will infringe upon your privacy?