Harper Government re-evaluating “online snooping bill”
Posted February 15, 2012 6:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, Ont. – It appears the Harper Government is taking a second look at a surveillance bill which would give police more powers to monitor Canadians’ cell phone and online activities.
Earlier this week, the federal government attacked the opposition for raising serious concerns about the legislation, with Public Safety Minister Vic Toews even suggesting those who do not support the bill are standing behind child pornography.
However, pressure from the opposition and online world – who are up in arms over what they call “the online snooping bill” – has made Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Toews and other Conservatives open to amendments.
“Of course, we will ensure that Parliament fully studies this bill, and that private life is also protected in this regard,” the Prime Minister told reporters, Wednesday.
But NDP MP Charlie Angus has his suspicions.
“I think the minister’s backpedalling because he came in and stuck his finger in the political socket, and he’s been thrown back. Does anybody believe for a minute that Vic Toews is open to fixing this bill without political pressure?” he asked.
Besides battling the NDP and the Liberals, other Conservative MP’s are unhappy with the bill.
“It’s too intrusive as it currently stands, and does need to be looked at. There’s a lot a concern I think, across the country,” said MP John Williamson.
The government says, meanwhile, that any changes will be made at the committee level.
The bill was introduced on Tuesday.
