Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Amend Bill C51

Bill C 51 is the Anti Terrorism Act similar to the US Patriot Act which is meant to give Canada's Police and Spy Agency almost unlimited powers to go after not only terrorists but also lawful protestors whose activities could hamper economic activity. This could include Environmentalists protesting Canada's tar sand development or industries plans to build oil sand pipelines through sensitive environments against local opposition from First Nations groups, municipalities and local citizens. There will be little to no over sight by Parliament of these powers an no recourse from citizens who are negatively effected. While terrorism may become more of a threat in the future and while I agree it is the governments responsibility to protect us citizens from those who would do us harm under this Bill the government could be doing us harm. The solution is to give the police powers to protect us but only in proportion to the threat. The police and security agency's need to be strictly controlled and monitored by Parliament and need to work within the framework of the Charter of Rights And Freedoms. There needs to be legal sanctions against politicians and police and security personal who abuse the rights of law abiding Canadian citizens. Canadians want to feel safe but the do not want to live in a police state. I urge my fellow Canadians and people from around the world to support my call for the government of Canada to respect its citizens right to peaceful protest and to amend this draconian Bill to reflect that right. Recently four former Canadian Prime Ministers from the Liberal and Conservative Parties along with Judges and former Attorney Generals wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister urging Parliamentary oversight and amendments to the bill to protect the a rights of Canadians but they were rebuffed. This Prime Minister marches to the beat of his own drum and to the beat of big business and little things like Canadians and the sanctity of Parliament don't phase him. While most Canadians want the government to protect them against perceived threats they also want their rights to be protected in the process through strong Parliamentary oversight.