Protesters in Prince George joined demonstrations around the country Saturday against anti-terrorism legislation proposed by the federal Conservative government.
According to CBC.ca, the protests, dubbed 'Defend our Freedom' in some cities, targeted Bill C-51, which would give law enforcement agencies and Canada's spy agency CSIS broader powers.
Michael Dallaire, who carried a sign that read Kill Bill 51, said such agencies have the powers "to do what they need to do" and the federal government should concentrating on fixing the existing system.
"Personally, it's an attack to the Constitution and the Charter of Rights of every individual in Canada," said Dallaire. "To free speech, it marginalizes us and sets a tone of unaccountability.
In a statement to the CBC, a spokesperson for Conservative Public Safety Minister Stephen Blaney said the government "rejects the argument that every time we talk about security, our freedoms are threatened."
Dallaire said Saturday's Prince George rally garnered many signatures for a Green Party petition opposing the bill. CBC reported there is a major online component to the campaign that includes Facebook and Twitter as well as a letter-to-the-editor app that aids the user in penning their opinion on the legislation.
