“This is a massive breach of privacy and shows a grave disregard for the rule of law,� said NDP Justice Critic Murray Rankin. “The Liberal government must explain their attempt to hide this abuse of powers from the Court meant to provide oversight.�
The NDP is pointing to this ruling as clear evidence of the need for strong new oversight of Canada’s security agencies. The Liberals have so far only proposed an after-the-fact review committee that would be significantly censored.
“We need a watchdog with teeth – and claws; with full, unimpeded access to information and a real-time oversight function,� said Public Safety Critic Matthew Dubé.
The Federal Court ruling also mentions the new powers under C-51 that expand potential surveillance targets and give CSIS warrantless access to Canadians’ tax records.
“The Liberals promised to remove the most egregious aspects of C-51. Well it’s now clearer than ever the dangers of that legislation and the need to fully abolish it immediately,� said Dubé.
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