Lawyer Rocco Galati says Bill C-51 creates a modern-day Gestapo in Canada

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      Toronto lawyer Rocco Galati is one of Canada's most outspoken critics of the Conservatives' antiterrorism bill.

      In a speech late last month, he claimed that Bill C-51 "creates a modern-day Gestapo".

      He insisted that this is "no exaggeration", noting that German and Italian versions of this bill were passed in the 1930s. And that's why he's planning a court challenge.

      "It takes all your private information and shares it with all government agencies, including foreign governments," Galati said. "And for some Canadian citizens, that becomes a eventuality of torture or death when they're travelling abroad."

      In addition, Galati noted that the bill arbitrarily restricts who can travel. According to him, it also criminalizes freedom of expression concerning how the government addresses terrorism.

      "So words and thoughts become an act of terrorism under this bill," he stated.

      Galati maintained that the bill allows the Canadian Security Intelligence Agency to disrupt constitutionally protected rights of association, expression, and protest.

      "Lastly, it does all of this by taking away all and any transparent judicial oversight," he declared.

      Galati said that any MP who supported Bill C-51 does not deserve any Canadian citizen's vote.

      "Any candidate who is running for a party who voted for this bill should not get a Canadian citizen's vote," he added. "This is quite clearly a fascist and dictatorial piece of legislation. And appeasement of it is unacceptable."

      The federal Liberals joined the Conservatives in approving Bill C-51. NDP and Green MPs voted against the legislation.

      Rocco Galati speaks out.

      Comments

      17 Comments

      Buddislander

      Jun 5, 2015 at 7:13pm

      This ultra conservative reformist mentality is serving only those who can't move on and embrace a future that is and always was unpredictable. Control by fear has a short shelf life, and in Canada it will not be tolerated. The Oct. election will prove this.

      Seriously?!?

      Jun 5, 2015 at 8:04pm

      I absolutely and wholeheartedly oppose Bill C-51 but I am also opposed to idiots on my side who use absurd hyperbole like this. There are enough solid reasons to oppose this bill that do not require an absurd leap of logic to stoke fear, some folks are even declaring that we won't even get to vote in the fall because evil Harpo is going to declare Martial Law...of course that was supposed to happen at the 2010 Olympics as well and the conspiracy crowd are always muttering about a "false flag" attack much bigger than the one they have declared occurred on parliament hill.

      The threat to our freedom is government no matter which party is in charge. Our vaunted Charter has no proper rights and also allows governments to disregard it when they wish to do so. Ultimately lawyers are mostly hucksters trying to drum up business, maybe Mr. Galati is going to lead a challenge funded by the simple minded. C-51 will be amended but pass in the form government wants and will not be substantially altered by any successors. Every aft of government that has reduced our freedoms over the last 50 years has been supported by successors even when they declared opposition to the very concept.

      Stephen Garvey

      Jun 6, 2015 at 9:20am

      The Democratic Advancement Party of Canada (DAPC) could not agree more!

      Daisee

      Jun 6, 2015 at 10:40am

      Don't governments exist to protect us against our lower instincts? The tables have turned, even the President of Canada's National Firearms Association/the Libertarian Party of Canada want this legislation stopped, one has to wonder, I was surprised to hear Sheldon Clare use the word 'statist'. I commend Galati for standing up for Canadians. The letter to PM/Senate from the gun lobby: https://stopc51.ca/Conservative

      Mark Murphy

      Jun 6, 2015 at 10:58am

      Rocco Galati for Prime Minister!

      Hrmm

      Jun 6, 2015 at 11:30am

      We already have a Gestapo, they steal people's drugs. At least during WWII they had the decency to pick on minorities, instead of the drug using majority.

      Yaku

      Jun 6, 2015 at 11:36am

      Rocco is a very good man. His work concerning the BoC/Private banks should be lauded.

      Brucifer

      Jun 6, 2015 at 1:32pm

      No Wife no Kids no job no Welfare no Hope. I say let the Bloodletting Begin. This is no Longer Canada.

      Brucifer

      Jun 6, 2015 at 2:13pm

      Disgusto-Meter at never seen before Levels. The Glass is cracked and H2S hissing Loudly. Nasal Whining on and on about what Canadians need at fever pitch. Good Tories and Liberals Take Cyanide and wash it down with anti-freeze.

      Harper will never be the boss of me

      Jun 7, 2015 at 3:17am

      Thank you Mr. Galati. You are a modern day hero.