"Should Parliament ultimately opt to allow law enforcement and national security authorities to circumvent the courts to obtain personal information, we believe the oversight and reporting safeguards must be significantly strengthened.
The true importance of privacy protection is that it underpins our democratic freedoms. It allows us to exercise these freedoms openly, without fear, mistrust or censorship. This is why caution is so critical, to avoid the possible erosion of our free, open society.
To date, Canadians have not been given sufficient justification for the new powers when other, less intrusive alternatives could be explored. A focussed, tailored approach is vital."