The Security of Canada Information Sharing Act (the “Information Sharing Act”) was enacted as part of Bill C-51. It gives expanded powers to federal government agencies to collect and share Canadians’ personal information, ostensibly for the purposes of “national security”, … Read More
Features Blog
We’ll be giving you a call!
Posted onThis is just a quick note to let you know that we’re going to be giving you a call! The BCCLA calling team is spread out all over the country, but they’re calling to talk to you about the civil … Read More
No gag: BC’s speech-chilling elections law needs to go
Posted onThe Supreme Court of Canada is hearing an important case today on issues of freedom of expression, privacy, and our right to speak out about political issues that matter to us. The case is called BC Freedom of Information and … Read More
The “New” CSIS – a de facto Secret Police
Posted onIssue: New Powers for CSIS to “Take Measures” Against Threats While a democracy can incorporate the need for an intelligence agency to operate with considerable secrecy, there is no place in a democracy for a secret police. Full stop. … Read More
2) Terrorism Speech Offences Will Undermine Radicalization Prevention Efforts
Posted onGreen Paper Topic(s) Criminal Code speech offence of advocating or promoting “terrorism offences in general”, and Proposal for radicalization prevention programs What it is Law Against Advocating or Promoting Terrorism in General The Anti-Terrorism Act 2015 (ATA, 2015) (“Bill C-51”) … Read More
1) The new Canadian “no-fly” regime
Posted onBill C-51 brought in the Secure Air Travel Act (SATA) which modifies the Canadian “no-fly” scheme (the Passenger Protect Program) to be more like the US model. People on one of the lists are not permitted to board airplanes (“no-fly”). … Read More
The Police: Freedom of expression and freedom of information
Posted onPolicy Director Micheal Vonn writes for the Centre for Free Expression
What Happens If You Don’t Provide Your Cellphone Password to Border Agents?
Posted onA highly anticipated case about border officials demanding passwords for electronic devices came in with a bang and went out with hardly a peep. Alain Philippon was arrested in March 2015 for refusing to provide a password to his Blackberry … Read More
Health and Human Rights in Prison: The Need for Prison-Based Needle and Syringe Programs
Posted onDuring the prison law seminar I took in law school, professor and prison justice expert Michael Jackson said something I’ll never forget. People are sent to prison as punishment, he told us, not for punishment. That simple statement stuck with … Read More
BCCLA hiring for Staff Counsel (Litigation) Positions, including Acting Litigation Director
Posted onThe BCCLA seeks two lawyers who are passionate about using their legal skills to uphold civil liberties and human rights in Canada. The two positions will commence in October 2016. The positions will remain open until filled, which will not be before … Read More
