As the federal government’s proposed anti-terrorism legislation comes under increasing fire from Canadian legal experts, a Prince George-based community group has its own concerns about the controversial act and is hosting a meeting open to the public in 100 Mile House on March 30.
Bill C-51 is the subject of the open house, organized by the Stand Up for the North Committee, at the United Church on Dogwood Avenue at 7 p.m.
The bill’s “vague” and “broad” language leaves it open to major misuse by law enforcement and threatens the rights of all Canadians, says Peter Ewart, a Prince George writer who plans to speak at the meeting.
“We feel this legislation goes far beyond targeting terrorists. We believe when you start dealing with the rights of Canadians … there should be discussion at the community and local level amongst the people. It’s our rights at stake here.”
Members of the public are invited to share their thoughts and concerns, whatever their point of view or political belief, he adds.
“We thought this issue was way too important to be left to be talked about in Ottawa. We should be talking about it here.”
A similar public meeting held in Prince George drew over 100 people, says Ewart, with meetings planned next for Williams Lake and Quesnel.
While the Conservative government argues Bill C-51 fills important gaps in Canadian law relating to national security and is needed to keep Canadians safe from extremist threats, there is increasing opposition to the bill. Most recently the Canadian Bar Association, which represents 36,000 lawyers from across Canada, objected to the legislation on the grounds it undermines the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Opponents worry Bill C-51 gives too much power without appropriate oversight to Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and infringes on privacy and democratic rights. The government maintains the bill is not meant to target lawful dissent.
The bill spurred nation-wide opposition protests on March 14, including at the office of Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod.
Bill C-51 was before a parliamentary committee on March 23-24.
