Opposition warns of abuse under proposed Canada spy law

OTTAWA, Canada – Sweeping powers to be granted to Canada’s spy agency in proposed anti-terror legislation might be used against the government’s political enemies, the opposition warned Tuesday, February 17.

“The language is so broad that it would allow CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) to investigate anyone who challenges economic or social policy,” opposition New Democratic Party leader Thomas Mulcair said about the bill.

“What is to stop this bill being used to spy on the government’s political enemies?”

The legislation giving CSIS increased powers to thwart terror plots is part of a national security overhaul prompted by twin terror attacks three months ago – the first on Canadian soil.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that the opposition is indulging in “conspiracy theories” with its criticism of the bill.

He also noted that under the bill Canada’s spy agency would require court authorization to take any disruptive action against an alleged threat.

The legislation was unveiled last month and is now being debated in Parliament.

If passed, it would allow CSIS to interfere with financial transactions or a suspect’s travel plans such as preventing him or her from boarding a plane.

The measure would also let CSIS intercept weapons and conduct “online counter-messaging,” for example hacking a Twitter account used to recruit jihadists. – Rappler.com