Sudbury joins national movement against Bill C-51

Protesters gathered in cities across Canada on Saturday to rally against the government's proposed anti-terror legislation, just days before the bill could face a final vote in the House of Commons.

A group of protesters rallied outside the Rainbow Centre in downtown Sudbury chanting anti-Harper slogans and decrying the proposed bill, which proponents say will strengthen the reach of Canada's spy agencies in the war on terror, but critics say would infringe on civil liberties.

Rallies against Bill C-51, which seeks to expand the powers of police and spy agencies, took place in many cities including Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Sudbury.

Green Party candidate, David Robinson said there is a growing sense of urgency now among Canadians, with the bill expected to receive its third and final reading when Parliament resumes Monday.

“I don't want to see Canada terrified into a legislation that's dangerous, and this particular legislation opens its doors to all kinds of abuse,” said Robinson, “Maybe Mr. Harper wouldn't really use this power to shut down protests and infringe on rights, but maybe the next guy would. You just don't open the door like that, it's a bad policy.”

Those opposed are worried about the loose definition of what a terrorist is said new authority could turn CSIS into a "secret police," and are concerned giving powers to spy on and detain Canadians based on suspicion alone violates basic Charter rights.

Rally organizer Angele Provencher said that she hopes that the these rallies across the country will represent solidarity across the nation. With people of all walks of life coming together to dispute bill's proposed infringement of rights and freedom.

“We need our freedom of speech, I want this for my children,” said Provencher, “But also, for all our minorities, aboriginal groups and activists, we have to say enough is enough, we're not your puppets.”

Despite the outcry, the Conservative government insists that the anti-terror legislation arms law enforcement with the necessary tools to disrupt terror plots before they take place.
Bill C-51 would give CSIS the ability to expand no-fly list powers, allow police to have greater control in limiting the movement of a suspect and increase the amount of time they can be kept in preventative detention. It would also allow for increased intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies.

The NDP and the Green Party oppose the anti-terror legislation, while Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has said that his party will support it despite some reservations.