OTTAWA—The Conservative government must strengthen review and oversight of security agencies if it plans to beef up spying and police powers, say privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien and information commissioner Suzanne Legault.
The privacy czars are also urging the Conservatives to avoid trampling civil liberties in trying to ensure the safety of Canadians.
The Harper government is contemplating new laws in response to the recent attacks that killed two soldiers in broad daylight. It has also introduced long-promised changes to strengthen the ability of Canada’s spy service to probe terror suspects overseas.
Therrien said Wednesday Oct. 29 at a news conference that any new tools should be accompanied by a beefed-up role for the watchdogs who keep an eye on spies and police “so that we ensure as a society that these activities are undertaken in a lawful manner.”
Legault and Therrien joined provincial counterparts from across the country in issuing a joint statement recommending “effective oversight” be built into any new legislation to bolster law-enforcement agencies.
The statement also advocates an “evidence-based approach” to considering the need for new measures, an “open and transparent dialogue” on whether they are necessary, and, if so, discussion about their nature, scope, and impact on rights and freedoms.
“The response to such events must be measured and proportionate, and crafted so as to preserve our democratic values,” the statement said.
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