I’m appalled by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews’ comments in the House of Commons last week, when he accused all Canadians who oppose the government’s invasive and warrantless online spying scheme, Bill C-30, of siding with child pornographers. This is rhetoric of the most outrageous kind. In fact, according to a poll by the government’s own privacy commissioner, eight out of 10 Canadians oppose legislation that would grant ‘authorities’ warrantless access to our private information. Even Members of Toews’ own Party are against this costly invasion of privacy.

I demand that Minister Toews publicly apologize to all Canadians for his comments.

Furthermore, I am calling for the government to publicly commit to amend its online spying legislation so that any new surveillance powers are based on a clear need for new powers, demonstrated by verifiable evidence. I also expect the government to commit to removing the warrantless access provisions in the legislation, insert privacy safeguards and enforcement, and provide a clear plan to offset the estimated $80,000,0000 this will cost Canadian families and businesses.

I encourage every Canadian to join the 112,000+ Canadians who have already voiced their opposition to Bill C-30 by signing the Stop Online Spying petition at www.stopspying.ca.

Jon Gaudet

Red Deer