Bill C-51 Easily Passes in House of Commons

The Federal Government passed the controversial House of Commons Bill C-51 Thursday afternoon.

The Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 passed third reading in the House and was referred to the Senate.

“I am pleased that our Government’s Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 was adopted in the House of Commons and will now be considered by the Senate,” said Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Steven Blaney. “This legislation highlights our Government’s continued commitment to taking swift action to combat jihadi terrorism and protect Canadians and their families. The Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 will provide our police forces and national security agencies with the tools they need to protect Canadians against serious and evolving threats from terrorist organizations like ISIS.”

Today I call on all MPs to vote in support of Anti-Terrorism Act 2015 to protect Canada & strengthen fight against jihadi terrorism #cdnpoli

— Steven Blaney (@MinStevenBlaney) May 6, 2015

The controversial bill passed by a margin of 183 to 96 and the legislation gives the Canadian Security Intelligence Service more power to stop suspected terrorist plots. The legislation also provides courts with the authority to order the take down of terrorist propaganda, broadens the no-fly list, and makes it easier for the RCMP to obtain a peace bond to restrict the movements of suspects and extend detention times.

Incredibly disappointed to hear of the passing of #BillC51. Great way to make a great, free country just a little less so.

— Isayah Vidito (@IsayahVidito) May 7, 2015

Locally, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs says the bill will infringe on Indigenous rights as the bill “radically and dangerously” expands the power for national security agencies. The maker of the popular web browser Firefox also spoke out about the bill, calling it “aggressive” and “problematic”. The NDP has also identified several serious problems in the bill, namely that C-51 will give broad new powers to CSIS without enhancing oversight. B.C. Privacy Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham also raised her own concerns around the anti-terror bill at Thompson University in Kamloops in February.

@JustinTrudeau I am deeply disappointed by your choice to support #BillC51 #cdnpoli

— Sergey Vershinin (@svershin) May 7, 2015