TORONTO — Following last week’s tabling of Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program and Interim Director of the Privacy, Technology and Surveillance Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association made the following statement:
“We acknowledge the importance of addressing anything that poses a serious threat to Canada’s democracy. That being said, this Bill requires significant changes to become Charter-compliant.”
“Proposed amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act would significantly broaden the ability of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to collect, analyze and disclose sensitive information to third parties. For instance, subject to ministry approval, the Service could disclose information obtained in the performance of its duties and functions to “any person or entity”. Under current legislation, such disclosure is limited to state officials. This proposed expansion of the Service’s power must be subjected to stricter limits to protect privacy rights.”
“Crucial elements of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act are currently left to future regulations. Canadians must have the opportunity to openly discuss and weigh in on these elements at the legislative review stage.”
“The process through which administrative monetary penalties would be imposed by the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner must be revised. Individuals targeted by notices of violation should have access to due process.
Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program said:
“The expansion of the offence of sabotage to include interference with essential infrastructure is a serious risk to freedom of expression. Essential infrastructure is defined too broadly, and the interference offence could suppress protests. The Criminal Code already contains offences that adequately address harms to public safety and security.”
“The availability of life imprisonment for certain offences introduced under Bill C-70 is disproportionate and excessive. For example, a person convicted of an indictable offence under the Criminal Code, even as minimal as theft under $5,000, could be sentenced to life in prison if they acted for the benefit of a foreign entity.”
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.Media Contact:
Alex Nanoff – 613.709.6318
media@ccla.org
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
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