"Ç%" <Ç%@can.ca>
2012-02-16 00:15:15 UTC
In light of this latest move . . . . after their introduction of changes to the OAS, the CPP,
their overt coziness with the Chinese, and the removal of the long gun registry, I wonder if I
will have to adjust my 'nym to a lower number still. . . .
____________________________________
OTTAWA The Canadian Press - Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012
Facing backlash, Tories eye rewrite of online-surveillance bill
The Harper government signalled Wednesday it's open to softening a controversial bill that
would give authorities easier access to information about Internet users.
The shift came after a torrent of criticism about the legislation including concerns from
some of its own MPs.
In the House of Commons, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the bill would skip the
second-reading stage and be sent directly to committee a move that would make it easier to
alter the content.
Generally bills only go to committee after receiving second reading, considered approval in
principle from the Commons.
After Question Period, Government House Leader Peter Van Loan said dispatching the bill to
committee now is a sign that the government is open to a broad range of amendments in order to
get the right balance.
The bill's tabling Tuesday touched off a heated debate about whether the measures unduly
violate privacy.
It would allow authorities access to Internet subscriber information including name, address,
telephone number and email address without first getting court approval. Currently, release
of such data, held by Internet service providers, is voluntary.
The government says the legislation is simply an attempt to bring the law into the 21st
century a much-needed update to keep pace with child pornographers and other criminals who
prowl online.
Privacy advocates say the bill goes too far, giving the state Big Brother-like powers to peek
into people's online lives.
We're hammering this bill and we're going to continue hammering this bill because this bill is
attacking some fundamental freedoms of Canadians, said New Democrat MP Charlie Angus.
It became apparent Wednesday that some Conservative MPs share that uneasiness.
I think it's too intrusive as it currently stands and does need to be looked at, said Tory
John Williamson, a rookie MP from New Brunswick. There's a lot of concern, I think, across the
country.
Ontario Conservative MP David Tilson said he wants to be satisfied that if police are
eavesdropping on people, they have permission from a court. If they don't have that, well then
I'll be concerned. So I want to hear more about it first.
Veteran Alberta MP Rob Anders said there's probably going to be amendments to the bill.
He said there are likely ways to adjust the legislation so that police could swiftly deal with
child pornographers on the Internet while allowing for court-ordered warrants in other cases.
Mr. Angus said Mr. Toews is backpedalling because he came in and stuck his finger in the
political socket and he's been thrown back.
We're standing with the privacy experts. And we're saying this is above and beyond the rule of
law and the minister has to stop hiding behind child victims. He has to come up and explain why
he wants to spy on Canadians.
*******************************************************
"We CAN look after each other better than we do today.
We CAN have a fiscally responsible government.
We CAN have a strong economy; greater equality; a clean environment.
We CAN be a force for peace in the world." - Jack Layton
their overt coziness with the Chinese, and the removal of the long gun registry, I wonder if I
will have to adjust my 'nym to a lower number still. . . .
____________________________________
OTTAWA The Canadian Press - Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012
Facing backlash, Tories eye rewrite of online-surveillance bill
The Harper government signalled Wednesday it's open to softening a controversial bill that
would give authorities easier access to information about Internet users.
The shift came after a torrent of criticism about the legislation including concerns from
some of its own MPs.
In the House of Commons, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the bill would skip the
second-reading stage and be sent directly to committee a move that would make it easier to
alter the content.
Generally bills only go to committee after receiving second reading, considered approval in
principle from the Commons.
After Question Period, Government House Leader Peter Van Loan said dispatching the bill to
committee now is a sign that the government is open to a broad range of amendments in order to
get the right balance.
The bill's tabling Tuesday touched off a heated debate about whether the measures unduly
violate privacy.
It would allow authorities access to Internet subscriber information including name, address,
telephone number and email address without first getting court approval. Currently, release
of such data, held by Internet service providers, is voluntary.
The government says the legislation is simply an attempt to bring the law into the 21st
century a much-needed update to keep pace with child pornographers and other criminals who
prowl online.
Privacy advocates say the bill goes too far, giving the state Big Brother-like powers to peek
into people's online lives.
We're hammering this bill and we're going to continue hammering this bill because this bill is
attacking some fundamental freedoms of Canadians, said New Democrat MP Charlie Angus.
It became apparent Wednesday that some Conservative MPs share that uneasiness.
I think it's too intrusive as it currently stands and does need to be looked at, said Tory
John Williamson, a rookie MP from New Brunswick. There's a lot of concern, I think, across the
country.
Ontario Conservative MP David Tilson said he wants to be satisfied that if police are
eavesdropping on people, they have permission from a court. If they don't have that, well then
I'll be concerned. So I want to hear more about it first.
Veteran Alberta MP Rob Anders said there's probably going to be amendments to the bill.
He said there are likely ways to adjust the legislation so that police could swiftly deal with
child pornographers on the Internet while allowing for court-ordered warrants in other cases.
Mr. Angus said Mr. Toews is backpedalling because he came in and stuck his finger in the
political socket and he's been thrown back.
We're standing with the privacy experts. And we're saying this is above and beyond the rule of
law and the minister has to stop hiding behind child victims. He has to come up and explain why
he wants to spy on Canadians.
*******************************************************
"We CAN look after each other better than we do today.
We CAN have a fiscally responsible government.
We CAN have a strong economy; greater equality; a clean environment.
We CAN be a force for peace in the world." - Jack Layton