Canadian MPs Pass Controversial Anti-Terror Bill C-51

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The federal government’s controversial new anti-terrorism bill known as Bill C-51, has won the approval of the House of Commons, giving the country’s spy agency extra powers and carte blanche to operate overseas for the first time.

Despite nationwide protests across Canada, the Anti-Terrorism Act passed the third reading by a margin of 183 to 96 thanks to the Conservative government’s majority and the promised support of the third-party Liberals.

It will now move to the Senate where it is expected to pass into law.

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RT report:

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The ruling government tabled the legislation in January, claiming it would improve the safety of citizens after two attacks (believed to be the first on Canadian soil) left two soldiers dead in October.

Opponents of the bill say it “will recklessly undermine our rights and our privacy while making us less safe.” Tens of thousands of protestors across the nation took to the streets in March saying the bill undermines basic democratic rights and freedoms.

A recent Forum Research poll cited by AFP has shown that only one-third of Canadians support the stepped up national security measures, while the majority is against them – renowned author of ‘The Blind Assassin’ Margaret Atwood among them.

Critics say the new legislation expands the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and police by boosting information sharing and allowing detention on mere suspicion.

“It turns CSIS into a ‘secret police’ force with little oversight or accountability,” StopC51 campaign stated, adding that the bill will lead to “dragnet surveillance and information sharing on innocent Canadians.”

According to Canadian activists, “no less than 17 government agencies and even foreign governments” will receive access to citizens’ sensitive information (“from your financial status, to your medical history, your sexual orientation, and even your religious and political beliefs.”)

The new powers could permit CSIS to thwart travel plans, cancel bank transactions and covertly interfere with radical websites, CBC News reported. The bill proponents say the spy agency is required to get a court order whenever the proposed disruption violates the charter of rights, however.

On top of all that, the bill makes it easier for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to obtain a peace bond (in Canadian law, an order from a criminal court that requires a person to be on good behavior for a period of time) extending the amount of time suspects can be held in detention.

“We need to make sure that the jihadi international terrorists who are threatening us are prevented from acting by filling the gap of our information sharing,” Public Safety Minister Stephen Blaney has stated in parliament.