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e-308 (Anti-terrorism Act, 2015)

Petition to the House of Commons

Whereas:
  • The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 (Bill C-51) was passed through the House despite a large outcry of public concern and protest;
  • The Act's vagueness will chill criticism of government and free expression; and
  • The Act further expands CSIS's powers without corresponding judicial or parliamentary oversight.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: first, engage in comprehensive review of the the Act in its entirety through detailed and diligent consultation with a broad cross section of experts and authorities on the Act and its effects.
Second, remove from the Act those provisions which, through expert testimony, are found to stand in conflict with or to be in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Third, create, empower, and fund the office of Ombudsperson for Privacy and empower and fund the office of the Privacy Commissioner and civilian review boards, such as SIRC, to oversee and evaluate the secret activities of Canada's security services; CSIS, CSE, and the RCMP.
Fourth, and finally, to ensure and commit in law that any subsequent amendment to the Act or such new legislation, as may be in future brought forth by any government, not impinge upon the privacy of citizens and be structured within a framework that is consistent with the historic continuity of Canadian Charter rights and with international human rights law.
Government response tabled on November 14, 2016 (Sessional Paper No. 8545-421-75-01)
Open for signature
May 12, 2016, at 8:48 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
September 9, 2016, at 8:48 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Arif Virani (Parkdale—High Park)
September 23, 2016 (Petition No. 421-00605)
Government response tabled
November 14, 2016
Photo - Arif Virani
Parkdale—High Park
Liberal Caucus
Ontario