St. John's chapter participates in Canadian Day of Action Against Bill C-51

Saturday March 14th grassroots protests across all provinces united in a Day of Action against Bill C-51, the Harper government's supposed anti-terror legislation. The bill has earned nearly unequivocal condemnation in the mainstream media, including from 100 academics from across the country and civil society groups.

Main concerns centre on privacy, the criminalization of legitimate dissent and protest, as well as the sweeping implications of information sharing, the over-reach of CSIS powers, and finally the erosion of our hard-fought constitutional rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly without the threat of being labelled a terrorist. Simple participation in street protests like ones that swept Canada today, under Bill C-51, if considered a threat to security or critical infrastructure, come under the purview of this law. This would criminalize indigenous and environmental groups especially, who are trying to take a stand for the land, their rights, and to safeguard the future of our planet. 

Here is a video of the protest through downtown St. John's.

Our chapter joined 19 other chapters across the country to protest Bill C-51. Solidarity!

Check out the coverage in the NL Independent:

• "National anti-terror law protest Saturday to include St. John's"
• "Bill C-51 will infringe on our constitutional and civil rights"

Listen to Erika, chair of our chapter, read a statement prepared by Ken, who couldn't be there in person.