The NDP has officially voiced their concerns over Harper's anti-terror legislation. New Democratic Party leader Tom Mulcair announced on Wednesday that after careful consideration and analysis of Bill C-51, the Party will oppose it.
“Terrorism is a real threat, and public safety must be the priority for any government. But we cannot protect our freedoms by sacrificing them,” said Mulcair. “We have a responsibility to stand up for our values and to never allow these cowardly attackers to change our way of life.”
The NDP has identified several serious problems in the bill, namely that C-51 will give broad new powers to CSIS without enhancing oversight. Mulcair explained that provisions in the bill could impact legitimate dissent. In addition, the NDP questions the federal governments failure to produce any plan to counter radicalization in Canadian communities.
Photo credit: NDP Facebook.
“This legislation is sweeping, dangerously vague, and likely ineffective. The Conservatives have played politics and intimidated the Liberals into giving them a blank cheque to pass any law, even one like C-51 that goes too far,” added Mulcair. “Canadians can count on New Democrats to take a principled stand for our rights and freedoms.”
This announcement comes only weeks after B.C. Privacy Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham raised her own concerns around the anti-terror bill at Thompson University in Kamloops.
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