By the time you receive this newsletter, Bill C-51, the so-called “Anti-Terrorism Act,” will likely have become law. It is my hope, and the hope of many more, that the bill is subjected to meaningful amendments.
When I first spoke out about this legislation, I was almost alone. Now concerns are growing and many prominent Canadians are expressing grave doubts. The growing list as we send this newsletter to the printers includes:
Former Prime Ministers:
- The Right Honourable Joe Clark
- The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
- The Right Honourable John Turner
- The Right Honourable Paul Martin
Former Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada:
- The Hon Louise Arbour
- The Hon Michel Bastarache
- The Hon Ian Binnie
- The Hon Claire L’Heureux Dubé
- The Hon John Major
Legal experts:
- Professor Craig Forcese, University of Ottawa Law School
- Professor Kent Roach, University of Toronto Law School
Prominent newspapers:
- The Globe and Mail
- The Toronto Star
and the Official Opposition, the New Democratic Party