Government Accountability

Michael Geist: “Big Brother Tactics”: Why Bill C-2’s New Warrantless Disclosure Demand Powers Extend Far Beyond Internet and Telecom Providers

The government’s inclusion of warrantless information demand powers in Bill C-2 may make this the most dangerous lawful access proposal yet, exceeding even the 2010 bill led by Conservative Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. The initial concern regarding the bill’s warrantless disclosure demand unsurprisingly focused on whether the proposal was consistent with Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence upholding the reasonable expectation of privacy in basic subscriber information (there is a strong argument it is not). The application of this new power was generally framed as a matter for telecom and Internet companies, given that companies such as Bell, Rogers, and Telus are typically the focal point for law enforcement seeking information on subscriber activity. However, it has become increasingly apparent that this is an overly restrictive reading of the provision. The Bill C-2 information demand power doesn’t just target telecom providers. It targets everyone who provides services with the prospect of near limitless targets for warrantless disclosure demands.

Globe & Mail: Border bill powers would allow warrantless police requests to doctors, abortion clinics, hotels

The bill would give CSIS and the police, or a “public officer,” the power to demand the basic information without a warrant if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a crime could be committed, or that any breach of a law passed by Parliament may take place. A draft form for making the information demand says to help with the investigation of an offence, the information must be provided “as soon as possible.”

The bill would gag the provider from saying they had received such a demand.

“With these powers, any official tasked with enforcing a federal law could go to the company you rented a car from or the hotel you stayed at and paint a detailed picture of your activities simply by confirming the various companies you interacted with,” said Tamir Israel, director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association’s privacy, surveillance and technologies program.

“Even health providers could face secret demands and would need to hire a lawyer and challenge these in court within five days of receiving them if they wished to avoid revealing that you are their client.”

Media Statement: Bill C-5 undermines the democratic process, the right of Indigenous People, the rights and safety of workers, and critical environmental protections

Bill C-5 undermines the democratic process, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the rights and safety of workers, and critical environmental protections.

The NDP opposes this bill in its current form.

Through Bill C-5, Carney is using the threat of Trump's tariffs to provide Cabinet and Ministers with overreaching powers to eliminate environmental oversight, violate Constitutional obligations to Indigenous peoples, and lower labour standards for workers throughout Canada.

There is no doubt that the unjustified and illegal trade war initiated by Trump opens an opportunity to buy and build more of what we need at home and make sure workers and Indigenous people benefit.

Although Part 1 of C-5 deserves positive consideration, we have many grave concerns about part two of Bill C-5. That is why the NDP will oppose fast-tracking this legislation and will oppose this bill in its current form.

Guardian Opinion: Canadians said no to Trump – so why is Mark Carney pushing a Maga-inspired border bill?

The Carney Liberal government introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, as their first piece of legislation in the House of Commons after the federal election.  This Bill is supposed to appease Trump with his delusional claims on fentanyl trafficking against Canada.  Instead of elbows up, speaking truth to power, he is bending a knee to Trump.  

Worst still, this legislation intends to align Canada with the US's refugee policies - it is an anti-immigrant and anti-refugee bill that goes against Canadian values and historically progressive policies.  Due process and administrative fairness are tossed out the window.  Oversight and accountability - non-existent.  

This Act will result in a mass deportation by administrative means, rather than law enforcement. It prevents persecuted individuals from applying for asylum in Canada.  It will result in the same outcome, putting thousands of people into precarious and vulnerable situations. It also upends privacy laws and creates a backdoor to accessing the private data of individuals. This legislation is a direct attack on civil liberties. The NDP will work with civil society, refugee and immigration organizations to actively oppose this draconian legislation. This is an excellent summary from the Guardian on Bill C-2:

HANSARD: If government caps spending and increase military spending, will this lead to cuts in services for vulnerable Canadians?

MEDIA RELEASE: Parliament Passes MP Jenny Kwan Sub-Amendment to Include Indigenous Peoples in Motion Calling on Government to Provide Immediate Economic Update

Ottawa, ON – Today, the House of Commons passed Vancouver-East NDP MP Jenny Kwan's amendment calling for explicit inclusion of Indigenous peoples as part of a motion requesting the federal government present a full economic update or budget before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

Kwan’s sub-amendment seconded by Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout, called for explicit inclusion of Indigenous peoples in any economic planning or fiscal accountability measures, emphasizing that economic justice and reconciliation must go hand in hand.

"It is unacceptable to leave Indigenous peoples out of conversations that have significant financial, and policy implications on their communities," said Kwan. "Any economic update or budget must include targeted measures to address the ongoing social and economic disparities with respect to funding, infrastructure or social services facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.”

Kwan’s sub-amendment strengthened the motion by mandating the economic update or budget to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's economic future and accountability measures.

Kwan’s proposal aligns with long-standing NDP calls for reconciliation through action. By embedding Indigenous rights and needs into fiscal planning, the sub-amendment aims to hold the government accountable to its commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Recommendations and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice.

"Economic planning that excludes Indigenous voices is unjust, and out of step with Canada’s stated values," Kwan concluded. "This sub-amendment ensures that reconciliation is reflected in the decisions that shape our country’s future. This is what the NDP can do in Opposition even with just 7 members without party status - fight for you and your community and hold the government to account.”

HANSARD: Reply to the Throne Speech on Electoral Reform

Householder Spring 2025: Liberals and Conservatives Rigging the System for Big Corporations

For decades, successive Liberal and Conservatives have rigged the system to maximize the benefit for big corporations. Since 1980, the corporate income tax rate steady dropped throughout different Liberal and Conservative governments, dropping from 36% to 15%, taking in hundreds of billions more in profit.

HANSARD: The Conservative Leader consistently says one thing and does another

HANSARD: RCMP Allegations Concerning Foreign Interference from the Government of India Emergency Debate