Canada approves anti-terror law C-51 that weakens Internet privacy – NDP-Liberal coalition may get triggered as a result warn conservative critics.
At a time when the US government is trying to curb its spying activities, at its northern border the opposite is happening. Reportedly, Canadian Senate has approved the controversial Bill C-51. In an open letter the opponents urge the government to reconsider its decision.
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The bill grants spy agencies such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) immense powers as it can violate digital privacy of any one at any time in the name of countering terrorism. That means the CSIS will become the NSA of Canada.
The bill also lets government institutions exchange sensitive information such as tax filings and allows spies to infect the suspects’ devices with intrusive malware.
It also raises the possibility of installation of searching devices at the border area for identifying “terrorist propaganda.” The bill also allows use of disruptive tactics such as blocking of websites.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has received criticism from conservative-minded critics over passing this bill as they claim that it could cost his party hugely in its campaign trail later in 2015.
Canadian jailed for refusing to unlock his phone at the airportAs a response, more than 60 libertarians and conservatives have signed a letter opposing the prime minister’s decision to legalize C-51.
The letter reads:
“C-51 will inevitably lead to a split in the conservative movement. Although these might not attract large vote totals, they could drain off enough votes to deny the CPC a victory and lead to the return of the Liberals, or insert the New Democrats or a coalition into government.”
Libertarian-leaning voters have always supported the Conservatives have thrown their backing behind the Libertarian Party of Canada this time around.
Those who have signed on this letter include the following:
National Firearms Association president Sheldon Clare, Free Dominion co-founders Connie and Mark Fournier, National Post comment editor Jesse Kline and Libertarian Party Leader Tim Moen
The letter details the concerns and issues that the opponents have regarding the anti-terror law. It ends with a question to its recipients:
OpenMedia CBC“Do you really want to live in a C-51 Canada that you don’t govern?” “We thought not.” “We don’t either. Kill Bill C-51.”
