Tories defend expanded powers of CSIS amid calls for greater oversight
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/tories-defend-expanded-powers-of-csis-amid-calls-for-greater-oversight/article22741386/
First, it isn't the increased powers that bother me so much as how this power is wielded and not held ot account. If there are radicals and terrorists spreading hatred and encouraging violence against Canadians or our allies, yes, they need to be held to account. It is the timing of this, and the history of these agencies that quite simply don't face the level of scrutiny they should. There isn't one policing agency in Canada with sufficient oversight. We are the laughing stock of the democratic world.
CSIS lost AG oversight, a measly $1 million a year to report to parliament (isn't this part of ANY intelligence agency, to be accountable by the government and it's citizens?) to instead maintain only five part-time clowns without any power at SIRC overseeing them (one seat not even filled). CSIS can do as they please, the RCMP can do as they please, and believe me they do. Even going so far as to enter the workplace and interfere with your career...
The TPS spent millions chasing Rob Ford around (and most certainly one of these agencies captured and leaked the videos that we constantly saw on tv), what charges did they lay against him? The OPP were caught with an undercover literally living in the home of their "target" who had no idea he was being targeted by his so-called "friend" (and took them to court over the ordeal). Am I the only person who realizes what these types of covert activities represents?
Both the RCMP and CSIS have a long history of outright lying and they possess the least oversight while wielding the most power. They have not just been caught lying to the public, but also to the courts and governments of the time, having "journalists" on the payroll at CBC etc. How this is allowed to continue illustrates precisely the mentality of a nation that will never be able to compete in the new and ever evolving global marketplace. Until we have a stark culture change to this "small world, Eastern Bloc approach" to dealing with citizens and ultimately creative opportunities we will continue the slide.
Too often we spit in the face of our allies and in the faces of Canadian soldiers who risk their lives in the most dangerous of places for our "freedoms", while at home, self serving agencies erode these freedoms to further their careers. Increased powers must be met with increased scrutiny and oversight, it's that simple.
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