'Freedom in jeopardy': Thousands rally across Canada against new anti-terror law

A still from YouTube video by Brent Morton

Thousands of demonstrators have united across Canada to take action against proposed anti-terrorism legislation known as Bill C-51, which would expand the powers of police and the nation's spy agency, especially when it comes to detaining terror suspects.

Organizers of the 'Day of Action' said that across Canada were planning to participate on Saturday, according to StopC51.ca.

The biggest gatherings were reported in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax.

protester Stuart Basden from Toronto, the Canadian city which saw hundreds of people come out, told The Star.

Freedom to speak out against the government is probably [in] jeopardy...even if you're just posting stuff online you could be targeted, so it's a really terrifying bill," Basden added.

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The ruling Conservative government tabled the legislation back in January, arguing that the new law would improve the safety of Canadians.

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Anti-terror bill labeled 'too vague'

Demonstrators across the nation held signs and chanted against the bill, which they believe violates Canadian civil liberties and online privacy rights.

Protester Holley Kofluk told CBC News that the legislation lacked specificity...it's just so much ambiguity, it leaves people open [and] vulnerable."

One of the protest organizers in Collingwood, Jim Pinkerton, shared with QMI Agency that he would like to see the Canadian government

Pinkerton said.

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The Day of Action is being backed by more than 30 civil liberties groups, including Amnesty International Canada, LeadNow, OpenMedia, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, the Council for Canadians, and others.

One of the biggest concerns the new legislation raises is the additional powers it grants to police and Canada's spy agency - the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) - by increasing information sharing and allowing detention on mere suspicion.

This bill disproportionately targets indigenous communities, environmental activists, dissidents, and Muslims, many of whom are already subjected to questionable and overreaching powers by security officials, [and] will make it easier and ostensibly lawful for government to continue infringing upon the rights of peaceful people," StopC51.ca said.

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Govt 'rejects argument'

A spokesman for Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney, Jeremy Laurin, spoke in support of the bill on Saturday, telling CBC News that the government

Laurin said.

Blaney's parliamentary secretary, Roxanne James, also issued comments of support, saying she was happy to answer any questions or concerns about the proposed law.

James said.