Canadian Tamil Congress expresses concerns about civil rights implications of Bill C-51

For Immediate Release

March 10, 2015.

Canadian Tamil Congress expresses concerns about civil rights implications of Bill C-51

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has grave reservations about the proposed new anti-terrorism legislation in its current form. Bill C-51, currently scheduled for committee hearings, includes sweeping and unprecedented changes to the national security landscape. The Canadian Tamil Congress recognizes the Canadian government’s need to strengthen our domestic anti-terrorism mechanisms in light of recent events on Canadian soil, however, those measures should not be at the expense of cherished civil rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The proposed new anti-terrorism measures have been criticized by a cross-section of civil rights groups, lawyers, judges, academics, provincial privacy commissioners, and several former Prime Ministers. Those opposed to Bill C-51 have argued that provisions are overly board in allowing excessive information sharing between government departments and agencies that leave all Canadians vulnerable to privacy breeches. In particular, the lack of comprehensive oversight and review mechanisms in the proposed new national security system is alarming.

“As Canadians, we are concerned about the civil rights implications in Bill C-51, in particular the impact on racialized community groups,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “In the past, Tamil Canadians have faced increased scrutiny and negative stereotyping, after being falsely tainted with the “terrorist” label.”

The Canadian Tamil Congress believes that Bill C-51 requires significant amendments that take into consideration the concerns raised by Canadians who feel that a better balance between security and civil rights is possible.

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