Has the Canadian government consulted with the public on the lawful access proposals?
Yes. In August 2002, the Canadian government (Justice Canada, Solicitor General, and Industry Canada) issued a Lawful Access Consultation Paper soliciting stakeholder comment on a number of proposals to enhance electronic surveillance powers. The government received over 300 submissions in response to these proposals – from the law enforcement community, telecom service providers, civil society groups, privacy commissioners, and the public. A summary of those submissions is available here. Many groups and individuals were highly critical of the proposals, arguing that no real justification had been provided for increased government surveillance powers, and that the proposals would unnecessarily and inappropriately curb important civil liberties that are fundamental to a free and democratic society. Archive of the copies of the submissions. Over the next two years, the government refined its proposals, taking into account the input it had received. In early 2005, it consulted privately
Related Questions
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- Has the Canadian government consulted with the public on the lawful access proposals?
- Which government agencies are sponsoring the lawful access proposals?
