To the Editor,
Re: Bill C-51 intrudes on Canadians’ rights, Letters, April 23.
Anti-terrorism Bill C-51 protects Canada against real threats. This month the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Michael Coulombe testified that currently, “the terrorist threat to Canada’s national security interests has never been as direct or immediate.”
The first chairman of Canada’s Security Intelligence Review Committee in 1984 was Ron Atkey. He remains a distinguished retired Parliamentarian who teaches national security law. His opinion of Bill C-51 is that, “accountability for the dangerous but important new powers for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service has been enhanced.”
Bill C-51 includes more judges’ control, stronger security monitoring, and consultation with Parliamentary opposition parties. Allegations that Bill C-51 creates a ‘secret police’ state are demonstrably false.
Bart JessupGabriola Island
