OTTAWA- The Liberal Party today launched a petition calling on the Conservative government to support Liberal amendments that will protect the privacy of Canadians and ensure that hearings on Bill C-30 are held in a manner that is open and transparent.

“The Harper Conservatives have introduced a lawful access bill that could violate our Charter rights unless we act now to stop them,” said Liberal Leader Bob Rae. “Forget creeping your Facebook. If this bill passes, Stephen Harper’s people will have the legal right to monitor your emails and track your every move online without any kind of judicial oversight. We need the help of Canadians to ensure this doesn’t happen.”

Bill C-30 would force internet service providers to track, preserve and hand over Canadians’ personal subscriber information, including email and IP addresses, upon request without a warrant. Following public pressure, the Conservative government went on the defensive yesterday, agreeing to send the bill to committee and consider opposition amendments.

“We have studied the work of experts like Privacy Commissioner of Canada Jennifer Stoddart and Canada Research Chair Michael Geist to craft amendments that strike a proper balance between privacy rights and public safety,” said Liberal Public Safety and National Security critic Francis Scarpaleggia. “Unfortunately, with a majority government the Conservatives can oppose any fair, sensible amendment we propose unless we demonstrate an overwhelming show of public support. That is why Canadians must make their voices heard.”

Liberals are asking Canadians to sign the petition promoting the amendments and calling for open and transparent hearings on the legislation, and then share it as widely as possible to ensure it gets 50,000 signatures – or more – before the special committee meets to consider Bill C-30.
Background:

You can sign the Liberal petition here.