OTTAWA – After careful analysis, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has announced that New Democrats will oppose Bill C-51.
“Terrorism is a real threat, and public safety must be the priority for any government. But we cannot protect our freedoms by sacrificing them,” said Mr. Mulcair. “We have a responsibility to stand up for our values and to never allow these cowardly attackers change our way of life.”
The NDP has identified serious problems in C-51, including giving CSIS broad new powers without enhancing oversight and failing to include a plan to counter radicalization in Canadian communities.
“This legislation is sweeping, dangerously vague, and likely ineffective. The Conservatives have played politics and intimidated the Liberals into giving them a blank cheque to pass any law, even one like C-51 that goes too far,” added Mr. Mulcair. “Canadians can count on New Democrats to take a principled stand for our rights and freedoms.”
