Over 300 Organizations Ask canada for a more diligent study on bill c-70, the foreign interference bill

June 7, 2024 

To: Minister LeBlanc, Minister Virani, MP Dancho, MP MacGregror 

We write today to ask you to split Bill C-70, the foreign interference bill, and to only move swiftly on passing Part 4 of the Bill now. 

It is imperative that experts take more time to study all the aspects of this bill that could possibly impact Canadians’ civil liberties. 

While we have grave concerns around foreign interference (whether from China, India, Israel, or any other nation), we have grave concerns around potential unintended consequences of this Bill. 

We are deeply troubled by the numerous reports of interference from foreign states, including the governments of India, China, and others, that have a pattern of engaging in crackdowns on minority communities. A recent report just emerged, for instance, of what appears to be a textbook case of foreign interference from Israel by promoting Islamophobia here in Canada. 

However, when we are rushing to make changes to our national security legislation, that have fundamental impacts on privacy legislation, and when we are further empowering agencies like CSIS that numerous judges have cited for their problematic behavior, and when there has been no real time given for academics and civil society actors to review the legislation, respectfully, there is a high likelihood of arriving at unintended consequences. 

These include: 

  • New Immunity Powers for CSIS: Granting CSIS the authority to direct others to perform actions that would ordinarily be illegal. 
  • Intimidation Provisions: Introducing penalties of life imprisonment for « intimidation » without clearly defining what intimidation means. 
  • Ministerial Discretion on Admissibility: Allowing the Minister of Immigration to bar individuals deemed harmful to Canada’s « international relations, » which could lead to the exclusion of Ukrainian dissidents, Uyghur activists, or Palestinian citizens. 
  • Expansion of CSIS Powers: Significantly increasing CSIS’s ability to infringe upon the privacy rights of Canadians. 

We need time for a deeper and more diligent study of Bill C-70. We need time for a public debate on its implications. 

This legislation has many complex implications. Appropriate due diligence is not being exercised when it appears that all parties, with what we view as good intentions, are inadvertently rushing to make significant changes to our national security, without adequate checks and balances by a longer rigorous and informed study. 

Regards, 

 

FRENCH 

To: Minister LeBlanc, Minister Virani, Raquel Dancho, Alistair MacGregor 

We are writing to you today to ask you to split Bill C-70, the foreign interference bill, and quickly pass only Part 4 of the bill now. 

It is imperative that experts take more time to study all aspects of this bill that could impact the civil liberties of Canadians. 

While we have serious concerns about foreign interference (whether from China, India, Israel or any other country), we have serious concerns about the potential unintended consequences of this proposed law. 

We are deeply troubled by the numerous reports of interference by States 

foreigners, including the governments of India, China and others, who have a history of repressing minority communities. A recent report has just emerged, for example, that appears to be a textbook case of foreign interference on Israel’s part in promoting Islamophobia here in Canada. 

However, when we rush to make changes to our national security laws that have fundamental impacts on privacy laws, and when we further strengthen agencies like CSIS that many judges have cited 

for their problematic behavior, and when no real time is given for academics and civil society actors to respectfully review legislation, there is a high risk of ending up with unintended consequences. 

These consequences include: 

  • New immunity powers for CSIS: Granting CSIS the authority to direct others to perform actions that would normally be illegal . 
  • Intimidation provisions: Introduced life sentences for “intimidation” without clearly defining what intimidation means. 
  • Ministerial Discretion on Eligibility : Allow the Minister of Immigration to prohibit entry to individuals deemed detrimental to Canada ‘s « international relations », which could lead to the exclusion of Ukrainian dissidents, activists or ïghurs or Palestinian citizens. 
  • Expansion of CSIS Powers: Significant increase in CSIS’s ability to infringe on the privacy rights of Canadians. 

We need time for a more in-depth and diligent study of Bill C-70. We need time for a public debate on its implications. 

This legislation has many complex implications. Proper duty of care is not being exercised, while it appears that all parties, with what we consider to be good intentions, are unwittingly rushing to make significant changes to our national security, without the checks and balances necessary for a more rigorous and informed study. 

Sincerely, 

 

  • National Council of Canadian Muslims 
  •  
  • Abbotsford Islamic Center
  • Abu Bakr Society 
  • Abu Huraira Masjid 
  • Abu Huraira Masjid – Saint John 
  • Action for Palestine Healthcare Workers Coalition
  • Ahl-ill Bait Islamic Organization – Montreal 
  • AJR Islamic Foundation
  • Ajyal Islamic center 
  • Akram Joma Islamic Center
  • Al Aqsa Musallah 
  • Al Arqam Islamic Center
  • Al Faruq Islamic Center
  • Al Huda Institute 
  • Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Assembly
  • Al Makkah Calgary Islamic Center 
  • Al Nadwa Educational Islamic Center
  • Al Rashid Education Foundation 
  • Al Rayan Islamic Center – Courtice masjid
  • Al Zahra Shia Association of Waterloo 
  • Al-Eman Islamic Center
  • AL-Hedaya Islamic center
  • Al-Huda Muslim Society 
  • Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation
  • Al-Kawthar Foundation 
  • Al-Madinah Center 
  • Al-Mehdi Al Muntathar Union 
  • Al-Nadwa Education Islamic Center
  • Al-Tawakal Musallah 
  • Alberr Mosque 
  • Alfalah Islamic Community Center 
  • Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students (AEMS)
  • Alliston Islamic Center 
  • Alnour center 
  • Anjuman-E Anwarul Islam of Malton (Malton Masjid)
  • Ar-Rabbaniyah Foundation for Islamic Studies Canada
  • Ar-Rashaad Center 
  • Arab Palestine Association of Ontario
  • Belagir Association 
  • Association of Muslim students at UdeM
  • Assunnah Muslims Association 
  • Az-Zahraa Islamic Center 
  • Aza-e-Hussain Association of BC
  • Bait Nabala 
  • Bait Ul Mukarram Islamic Society
  • Barrie Mosque 
  • BC Muslim Association 
  • Bosnian Islamic Center of Hamilton
  • Bradford Islamic Community Center
  • Bramalea Islamic Cultural Center
  • Brantford Mosque
  • Canadian Aid for Relief and Education 
  • Canada Bangladesh Education Trust
  • Canadian Council of Imams
  • Canadian Council of Indian Muslims
  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women
  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women Brampton-Mississauga 
  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women Montreal 
  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women Toronto 
  • Canadian Islamic Cultural Society 
  • Canadian Islamic House 
  • Canadian Muslim Civil Liberties Association 
  • Canadian Muslim Healthcare Network 
  • Canadian Muslim Research Think Tank 
  • Canadian Muslims for Palestine 
  • Canadian Muslims For Peace and Justice 
  • Canadian Pakistani Physician Alliance for Democracy 
  • Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba 
  • Canadian Sufi Cultural Center 
  • Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need
  • Carleton University Muslim Student Association
  • Cater For All Foundation 
  • Center for Uyghur Studies
  • Central Islamic Council of Guyana CIOG 
  • Muslim Community Center of Montreal 
  • Islamic Cultural Center of Beauce 
  • Islamic Cultural Center of La Mauricie 
  • Islamic Center of Outaouais 
  • Chilliwack Islamic Center 
  • Clear Islam Information Center Windsor 
  • Coalition of Canadian Palestinian Organizations 
  • Coalition of Muslim Women of KW 
  • Communication Openness and Intercultural Reconciliation COR
  • Dalhousie Muslim Students Association 
  • Danforth Community Center 
  • Danforth Islamic Center 
  • Dar Foundation Darul Arqam Musalla 
  • Darussalam 
  • Deaf Muslims of Canada 
  • Donald A Wilson MSA 
  • Downtown Muslim Professional Network 
  • Dufferin Muslim Center 
  • Durham Islamic Center
  • Edmonton Islamic Center 
  • Enlightened Path Institute 
  • Fatimia Community Services 
  • Fleetwood Islamic Academy Society of BC 
  • Fredericton Islamic Association 
  • George Town – Masjid Uthman
  • Guildford Islamic Cultural Center
  • Halton Islamic Association 
  • Halton Muslim Youth Association 
  • Hamilton Mountain Mosque 
  • Happy Strong Family 
  • Healthy Muslim Families 
  • Hikma Public Affairs Council 
  • Husaini Association of Manitoba 
  • Hussaini Association of Calgary, Canada 
  • Hussaini Association of Saskatoon 
  • Huttonville Mosque
  • ICC Brossard
  • ICNA Canada
  • ICNA Sisters Canada
  • Imam e Azam Musalla Brampton
  • Imdad ul Islam
  • International Muslims Organization of Toronto
  • Iqra Masjid
  • Iraqi Community Center
  • Islam Care Center
  • Islamic Association of Saskatchewan
  • Islamic Center Of Markham
  • Islamic Center of Kingston
  • Islamic Center of Nanaimo 
  • Islamic Center of Southwest Ontario 
  • Islamic Forum of Canada 
  • Islamic Foundation of Toronto 
  • Islamic Information & Dawah Center International 
  • Islamic Institute of Toronto 
  • Islamic Organization of North America Canada 
  • Islamic Relief UBC Islamic Relief UOttawa 
  • Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Association of Ottawa 
  • Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Association of Edmonton 
  • Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto 
  • Islamic Society of Ajax 
  • Islamic Society of Cumberland 
  • Islamic Society of Kingston 
  • Islamic Society of Niagara Peninsula 
  • Islamic Society of Richmond Hill 
  • Islamic Society of Toronto 
  • Islamic Society of Vaughan 
  • Islamic Supreme Council of Canada Islamic Family (IFSSA) 
  • ISNA Canada
  • Jaffari Community Center 
  • Jama Masjid – Islamic Propagation Center of Ontario 
  • Jame Abu Bakr Siddique 
  • Jame Masjid Mississauga 
  • Jame Masjid Oakville: Noor-UL- Haram
  • Jami Omar 
  • Jamia Masjid Ali-ul-Murtaza 
  • Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah 
  • Jamia Masjid Ghosul Azam 
  • Jamia Masjid Gunbad-e-Khizra (Green Dome) 
  • Jamia Masjid Noor-e-Madinah (Montreal) 
  • Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab 
  • Jamia Riyadful Jannah Saint John 
  • Jamia Riyadhul Jannah Airdrie 
  • Jamia Riyadhul Jannah Maple Ridge 
  • Jamia Riyadhul Jannah Mississauga 
  • Jamia Riyadhul Jannah Saskatoon 
  • Jerusalem Community Services of Ontario JCSO 
  • Justice 48
  • Justice for All Canada
  • Kamloops Islamic Association 
  • Kanata Muslim Association 
  • Kawartha Muslim Religious Association 
  • Khadijah Masjid Khalid Bin Al-Walid Mosque 
  • Khayr Project Canada 
  • Kingston Palestinian Association
  • Langley Islamic Center
  • Leduc Islamic Center
  • Lethbridge Muslim Association
  • London Muslim Mosque
  • Madinah Masjid – Jamiat Ul Muslemin
  • Manitoba Islamic Association
  • Markaz ul Islam – Fort McMurray
  • Markaz ul Islam Society of Edmonton
  • Markham & Lawrence Community United
  • Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddique
  • Masjid Aisha (RA) (Niagara Falls)
  • Masjid Al Abedeen Islamic Research Center of Canada
  • Masjid Al Hidaya Toronto
  • Masjid Al Iman
  • Masjid Al Jannah
  • Masjid al-Farooq Islamic Center
  • Masjid Albarakah
  • Masjid Ali – Babulilm
  • Masjid Annor
  • Masjid Aqsa Brampton
  • Masjid Bilal Muslim Association
  • Masjid e Aqsa
  • Masjid El Noor
  • Masjid Kawartha Muslim Religious Association
  • Masjid Lindsay
  • Masjid Omar bin Khattab
  • Masjid Omar Farooq Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen
  • Masjid Ul Haqq
  • Masjid Ul Taqwa
  • Masjid ur Rahmah
  • Yusuf Masjid
  • Masjid Zakariya
  • Masumeen Islamic Center
  • MCE Mosque
  • McMaster Ahlulbayt Islamic Society
  • Mississauga Neighborhood Nexus
  • Moncton Masjid
  • Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)
  • Muslim Association of Hamilton
  • Muslim Association of New Brunswick
  • Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Muslim Community Foundation of Calgary
  • Muslim Council of Brantford-Brant
  • Muslim Council of Calgary
  • Muslim Educators Network of Ontario (MENO)
  • Muslim Ontario Dentists
  • Muslim Society of Prince Edward Island/Masjid Dar as-Salam
  • Muslim Student Association – Simon Fraser University
  • Muslim Student Association UCalgary
  • Muslim Students’ Association of Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Muslim Students’ Association of the University of Toronto – Mississauga
  • Muslim Students’ Association of the University of Toronto – St. George
  • Muslim Students’ Association of University of British Columbia (MSA UBC)
  • Muslim Students’ Association SAIT
  • Muslim Youth in Motion
  • Muslims of Alliston center
  • Muslims of Dufferin
  • Muslims of Shelburne Center
  • Nadwa Islamic Center
  • NDG mosque
  • Newmarket Islamic Center
  • North American Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities Organization
  • North London Islamic Center
  • Nova Scotia Islamic Community Center
  • Olive Branch
  • Ontario Nurses Against Apartheid (ONAA)
  • Orangeville Musalla
  • Oshawa Mosque
  • Ottawa Muslim Association
  • Ottawa Muslim Community Services
  • Pakistan Canada Association (PCA)
  • Palestine Advocacy Club SAIT
  • Palestine Advocacy Club UCalgary
  • Palestine House -Toronto
  • Palestinian Canadian Congress
  • Palestinian House Association – Calgary
  • Partners for Humanity Foundation
  • Peel Islamic Cultural Center
  • Pickering Islamic Center
  • Queen’s Law Palestinian Advocacy
  • Queen’s University Muslim Student Association (QUMSA)
  • RAHMA foundation
  • Razavi Community Center
  • Rohingya Association of Canada
  • Ruh
  • Sabeel Muslim Youth and Community Center
  • SacredHand Canada
  • Saint Mary’s University Muslim Student Association
  • Salaheddin Islamic Center
  • SALAM Project
  • Sarnia Muslim Association
  • Scarborough Campus Students Union (SCSU UofT)
  • Scarborough Muslim Association
  • Scarborough Muslim Cultural Center
  • Muslim Awareness Week Muslim Awareness Week
  • Shiane Haidery Islamic Association
  • Sisterhood Softball League
  • SNMC
  • Spiritual Society Mosque
  • St. Thomas Islamic Association
  • Subhan Masjid
  • Surrey Jamea Masjid
  • Syedah Khadijah Center
  • Syyadina Omar Farookh Scarborough
  • Taaseen Musalla
  • Taha Musalla
  • Tamil Nadu Multicultural Association of Canada
  • Thaqalayn Muslim Association of Concordia
  • The Canadian Palestinian Professional Foundation
  • The Canadian-Muslim Vote
  • The Coalition to Prevent Genocide in Gaza
  • The Council of Islamic Guidance
  • The Islamic Society of Gloucester
  • The Islamic Society of Sandy Hil
  • The Mosque of Aylmer
  • The Muslim Foundation
  • Think for Actions
  • Thunder Bay Masjid
  • Timmins Islamic Center
  • Toronto Islamic Center and Community Services
  • Umar Mosque
  • Ummah Society
  • United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau
  • United Muslims of Halifax Society
  • University of Prince Edward Island Muslim Student Association
  • Vancouver Jamia Masjid
  • Vernon Mosque & Islamic Center
  • West End Islamic Center
  • Whiterock Muslim Association
  • Windsor Islamic Center
  • Wolfville NS Ummah Masjid
  • Women Empowerment Society
  • Yaseen Musalla
  • York Region Muslims
  • Zainabiya Islamic Center