Canada sees nationwide protests against notorious anti-terror bill

People in Canada have held protests to voice their opposition to a so-called anti-terrorism bill, known as Bill C-51, proposed by the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The participants in the Day of Action protests staged on Saturday believe that the bill would expand the authority of police and the spy agency.

The largest gatherings were reported in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax.

In the city of Edmonton, some of the protesters carried placards that denounced the bill as “criminalization of dissent” and warned the Canadian citizens that “big brother is watching you.”

The proposed bill is too vague and “lacked specificity,” said a protester, adding, “That’s what's missing. It’s just so much ambiguity. It leaves people open [and] vulnerable.”

The organizers of the event also maintain that Bill C-51 is dangerous, reckless and unacceptable as it could be used to pester or silence those who do not agree with some government policies.

There are also concerns that the bill would give additional powers to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and allow the increase of information sharing levels among federal departments and agencies.

“This bill disproportionately targets indigenous communities, environmental activists, dissidents, and Muslims, many of whom are already subjected to questionable and overreaching powers by security officials, [and] will make it easier and ostensibly lawful for the government to continue infringing upon the rights of peaceful people,” said stopc51.ca website.

“I’m really worried about democracy. This country is going in a really bad direction. Harper’s taking it in a really bad direction,” said a protester in Toronto.

He added that the controversial bill could jeopardize “freedom to speak out against the government,” and noted that even if one just posts something online, they “could be targeted, so it’s a really terrifying bill.”

The stopc51.ca also said over 55 “non-partisan” events are due to be held over the weekend.

Bill C-51 was first tabled by the ruling Conservative government in January. The government claims the proposed bill aims to improve the safety of Canadians.

Harper’s government has dismissed criticisms against the bill, with Jeremy Laurin, a spokesman for Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney saying that Ottawa “rejects the argument that every time we talk about security, our freedoms are threatened.”

“Canadians understand that their freedom and security go hand in hand [and] expect us to protect both, and there are safeguards in this legislation to do exactly that,” said Laurin.

A media advisory issued on Friday said that over 30 “leading digital rights, pro-democracy and civil liberties organizations,” including OpenMedia, LeadNow, Amnesty International Canada, and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression are lending support to the movement against the bill.

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