Summary:
On Thursday, June 18, 2015 the conservative government of Canada received royal assent for a new piece of anti-terror legislation which will give expanded, controversial, and sweeping powers to Canada’s spy agency; the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIC). Because of the very radical changes C-51 proposes to the current terror prevention structure in Canada, many have simultaneously criticized and praised it. With opponents stipulating that because of the bill’s vague wording, doors can potentially be opened to police abuse of power, and the reduction of civil liberties (specifically free speech). While proponents (backed by the Minister of Public Safety Steven Blaney) of the changes argue that in light of the relatively recent terrorist attacks on Parliament Hill and in Quebec, this bill is necessary to keep Canadians safe.
In order to understand better bill C-51, the legislation must be broken down into five general topics: the new activities this bill criminalizes, which new powers CSIS has, and how CSIS can enforce the new laws.
One of the major changes this bill makes is that an individual guilty of promoting “the commission of terrorism offences in general” can be convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. Also, judges …show more content…
In the past years their budget has been cut and staff reduced, which in today’s environment is completely unacceptable to be the case for an accountability agent considering bill C-51 and its impact will need to be heavily reviewed and analysed. Additionally, the SIRC needs a new committee appointment process, renewed mandate from the government, new statutory capabilities and formal help to renew the communication channels with federal security
On Thursday, June 18, 2015 the conservative government of Canada received royal assent for a new piece of anti-terror legislation which will give expanded, controversial, and sweeping powers to Canada’s spy agency; the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIC). Because of the very radical changes C-51 proposes to the current terror prevention structure in Canada, many have simultaneously criticized and praised it. With opponents stipulating that because of the bill’s vague wording, doors can potentially be opened to police abuse of power, and the reduction of civil liberties (specifically free speech). While proponents (backed by the Minister of Public Safety Steven Blaney) of the changes argue that in light of the relatively recent terrorist attacks on Parliament Hill and in Quebec, this bill is necessary to keep Canadians safe.
In order to understand better bill C-51, the legislation must be broken down into five general topics: the new activities this bill criminalizes, which new powers CSIS has, and how CSIS can enforce the new laws.
One of the major changes this bill makes is that an individual guilty of promoting “the commission of terrorism offences in general” can be convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. Also, judges …show more content…
In the past years their budget has been cut and staff reduced, which in today’s environment is completely unacceptable to be the case for an accountability agent considering bill C-51 and its impact will need to be heavily reviewed and analysed. Additionally, the SIRC needs a new committee appointment process, renewed mandate from the government, new statutory capabilities and formal help to renew the communication channels with federal security