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Thousands of Canadians expected to rally against proposed anti-terror legislation

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The federal government says we need a new anti-terror law to protect us but that won’t stop thousands of people across Canada from protesting against Bill C-51 today.

A major rally is planned for the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery this afternoon where demonstrators are expected to blast the Conservatives for going too far.

Don Wright with Amnesty International says the definition of terror in Bill C-51 is just too vague and is a risk to your civil liberties. “That can include a wide range of protest activity that may not be lawful but certainly does not move into the realm of a criminal act being under police tape, protesting without a permit.”

Wright wonders if the law is even needed. “I have heard a lot of commentators suggest that in fact the currant tools that the RCMP and CSIS are quite adequate.”

“The ways presented is simply that this is the only answer and they are not really interested in hearing alternatives or hearing more about what else could be done,” he explains. “We are extremely concerned about the suppressing of freedom of expression.”

Opponents all the Bill reckless, dangerous and ineffective but supporters of Bill C-51 say we need more protection from terrorists and this law does the trick.

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