It is not politically insignificant that the Liberals came out yesterday to say that they would support the new anti-terror bill, despite its flaws, but would work to try and get changes to it, in particular around the need for more oversight and to build in legislative reviews such as a sunset clause. In effect, it is a move that tries to blunt the Conservatives’ attack lines that the Liberals don’t support fighting terrorism (as some of their MPs still tried to peddle while making the rounds on the political talk shows last night). And if the Conservatives shoot down their amendments? Well, the Liberals plan to fix them once they form government (and parliamentary oversight is something the Liberals have been pushing for since they tried implementing it under the Paul Martin government, but the government was toppled and we all know what happened next). That’s not to say that there isn’t a lot to be concerned about with this bill, in particular that there is a broad expansion of powers with few limits, particularly that it doesn’t bar psychological harm. James Gordon writes how the strong language used to describe terrorists is letting them win, while Andrew Coyne wants a more reasoned debate on the bill rather than just lighting our hair on fire.
The individual freedoms we enjoy and cherish as Canadians cannot exist without collective security. 1/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
Bill C-51 can be improved, but on the whole, it does include measures that will keep Cdns safe. As such, #LPC will support it. 2/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
There are gaps in this bill, specifically on oversight and mandatory reviews. #LPC will offer amendments to address these gaps. 3/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
When a gov’t asks its citizens to give up liberty, it is that gov’ts responsibility to guarantee that its new powers will not be abused. 4/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
We are hopeful that #CPC is serious about reaching across the aisle to keep Canadians safe, while protecting our rights & our values. 5/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
The gov’t can accept that Canadians want greater oversight & accountability, or #LPC will offer that in our election platform. 6/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
We are a nation of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. We will not be intimidated into changing that by anyone. 7/7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2015
Good reads:
- There are questions as to why the NDP have been trying to settle the costs of their satellite office expenses if they insist they’ve done nothing wrong, and the story they’re telling is contradicted by pretty much everyone else.
- The government is moving to have the RCMP take over all security on the Hill, which is raising concerns (and let us not forget how the RCMP have been doing the PM’s bidding in harassing and sidelining media at events). The greater role of the RCMP currently is already causing problems as they denied one NDP MP entry as he didn’t have his badge or pin.
- John Baird says that Jim Flaherty’s death shook him, and helped him to realise that he didn’t want to be a political lifer.
- With the RCMP focused mostly on terrorism, it’s apparently a good time to be in organised crime, who are no longer facing the same police scrutiny.
- The military is set to miss its deadlines on “rebalancing” the number of reservists in the Forces as part of their budget cutting exercise.
Odds and ends:
Jennifer Hollett is set to be acclaimed as the NDP candidate in University–Rosedale, to take on Chrystia Freeland.
A poll of how Canadians perceive the party leaders shows people are more likely to want to take a vacation with Trudeau or get him to babysit their kids, as opposed to Harper being a better CEO.
In advance of Friday’s Supreme Court decision, the Canadian Medical Association is for the first time grudgingly admitting that assisted dying cold be the most humane option for some.