- Joined
- Jun 2, 2002
- Messages
- 26,907
This is "terrorist" related but doesn't quite fit the other threads. This is more along the lines of all the after affects here at home. I hear people saying we need to "liberate" those people in brutal regimes, while all along our own liberties are being eroded. Please read the following and comment if you will:
<hr>
Privacy commissioner says extra security measures unnecessary
Last Updated Wed, 29 Jan 2003 21:17:07
OTTAWA - Canada's privacy commissioner is warning the government has lost its moral compass by planning intrusive, unnecessary new security measures.
INDEPTH: Privacy
Privacy Commissioner of Canada George Radwanski (CP PHOTO)
George Radwanski delivered his annual report to Parliament on Wednesday. It is a condemnation of a number of government measures taken in the last year in the war against terrorism. And Radwanski says if left unchecked the new measures will bring an end to privacy and freedom in Canada.
Radwanski says the government is using the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, to justify an assault on privacy like never before. "I've regrettably found it necessary to issue a solemn and urgent warning to every Member of Parliament, every Senator, and every Canadian," he said.
Radwanski has been a constant critic of five measures he says do absolutely nothing to increase security.
* the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency travellers data base that will enable any government department or law enforcement agency to search for suspicious or criminal activity
* a proposed bill that would allow the RCMP to search through airline reservation systems to find people wanted on warrants
* the Department of Justice wants to allow police unfettered access to Canadian's e-mail and cell phone calls
* the immigration minister's proposal for a debate on a national identity card for all Canadians
* government support for RCMP video surveillance of public streets
"He has as distrust of this government and so do I," said Canadian Alliance House leader John Reynolds. But, Reynolds says, Canada is involved in a war on terrorism and his party believes many of the measures are necessary.
Radwanski counters that Canada isn't immune to excesses by police, and once established, the measures will be impossible to repeal.
Radwanski, who's only an ombudsman with no real power, says the government has turned a deaf ear to his concerns and in some cases accused him of being soft on terrorism.
Written by CBC News Online staff
<hr>
Privacy commissioner says extra security measures unnecessary
Last Updated Wed, 29 Jan 2003 21:17:07
OTTAWA - Canada's privacy commissioner is warning the government has lost its moral compass by planning intrusive, unnecessary new security measures.
INDEPTH: Privacy
Privacy Commissioner of Canada George Radwanski (CP PHOTO)
George Radwanski delivered his annual report to Parliament on Wednesday. It is a condemnation of a number of government measures taken in the last year in the war against terrorism. And Radwanski says if left unchecked the new measures will bring an end to privacy and freedom in Canada.
Radwanski says the government is using the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, to justify an assault on privacy like never before. "I've regrettably found it necessary to issue a solemn and urgent warning to every Member of Parliament, every Senator, and every Canadian," he said.
Radwanski has been a constant critic of five measures he says do absolutely nothing to increase security.
* the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency travellers data base that will enable any government department or law enforcement agency to search for suspicious or criminal activity
* a proposed bill that would allow the RCMP to search through airline reservation systems to find people wanted on warrants
* the Department of Justice wants to allow police unfettered access to Canadian's e-mail and cell phone calls
* the immigration minister's proposal for a debate on a national identity card for all Canadians
* government support for RCMP video surveillance of public streets
"He has as distrust of this government and so do I," said Canadian Alliance House leader John Reynolds. But, Reynolds says, Canada is involved in a war on terrorism and his party believes many of the measures are necessary.
Radwanski counters that Canada isn't immune to excesses by police, and once established, the measures will be impossible to repeal.
Radwanski, who's only an ombudsman with no real power, says the government has turned a deaf ear to his concerns and in some cases accused him of being soft on terrorism.
Written by CBC News Online staff