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Write Your Member of Parliament

Concern is mounting regarding the impact of proposed “lawful access” legislation in Canada. Media coverage has greatly increased, with this issue becoming a hot topic of discussion by all stakeholders, from the legal community to telecommunications service providers. This represents a looming system of “surveillance by design,” that should concern us all in a free and democratic society.

The anticipated re-introduction of a trio of federal bills (Bills C-50, C-51, C-52) will provide police with much greater ability to access and track information, via the communications technologies that we use every day, such as the Internet, smart phones, and other mobile devices, in some circumstances, without a warrant or judicial oversight. Taken together, the three pieces of legislation will diminish the privacy rights of Ontarians, and indeed, of all Canadians.

We have an opportunity to raise awareness on this very important issue, with the goal of impacting the legislation as it is re-introduced. Please join in standing up for freedom and privacy by emailing your Member of Parliament and ask the government to reconsider its proposed “lawful access” legislation.
We have drafted a proposed letter for your use if you would like to write to your MP, in an effort to expedite this effort.

MP Email: *

Click here to find your Member of Parliament (MP)’s email address and paste it into the form.

Subject:

Body:

Dear Member of Parliament,

I am writing to ask you, as my representative in the House of Commons, to urge the government to reconsider its proposed “lawful access” legislation, which is expected to be re-introduced shortly.

The proposed legislation – previously known as Bills C-50, C-51, and C-52 – is not simply about lawful access.  It creates a new system of significantly-expanded surveillance – without adequate legislative safeguards and, in some cases, without the need for any judicial authorization – in short, without establishing the corresponding safeguards necessary in a free and democratic society.

The proposed scheme, as presented to the House of Commons last year, would give police greater abilities to track and obtain information about identifiable individuals, using our everyday communications technologies such as our Internet connections, smart phones and other mobile devices.

This could substantially diminish every Canadian’s right to be secure from unreasonable state surveillance as guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I respectfully ask you, as my MP, to press the government to:
• review the proposed legislation and appropriately address the implications for Canadians’ privacy,

• hold public hearings so that everyone – including the police, citizens and telecommunications service providers – understands the scope and effects of “lawful access” legislation, and

• proceed with legislation only if it contains adequate judicial authorization and accountability provisions, in order to preserve the vital elements of openness and transparency that are fundamental to Canada’s democracy.

It is my sincere hope that you will take action to address the serious concerns that have been raised about this proposed legislation. I look forward to your response outlining what steps you will be taking.

Please note that I do not wish to be marketed to by any political party, candidate or representative, whether directly or indirectly. Please search your records and REMOVE my contact information from your party databases, and ensure I am on your 'do not call' lists.

Yours Sincerely,

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