Protecting Canadians must include protecting freedoms

After a careful analysis of Bill C-51, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has announced that New Democrats 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 Mr. 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 C-51, including that the bill will give broad new powers to CSIS without enhancing oversight, that it includes provisions that could impact legitimate dissent, and that the government has not produced any plan to counter radicalization in Canadian communities.

“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 Mr. Mulcair. “Canadians can count on New Democrats to take a principled stand for our rights and freedoms.”