The Halifax Civil Liberties Working Group, a new organization dedicated to public education and action around questions of free-speech, privacy and the abuse of authority, is pleased to host a public meeting about the implications and consequences of Bill C-51, the new Harper Government "Anti-Terrorism Act."

Saturday, April 25, 2015
1-3pm
Halifax Central Library, room 301
Free and open to the public.

The panel of speakers is:
* Judy Haiven – Associate Professor, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University
* Howard Epstein – former Nova Scotia MLA and law professor
* El Jones – Halifax’s poet laureate, university lecturer and prisoners’ rights activist.

This event is meant to offer an opportunity to discuss the bill and also to build interest in developing a robust opposition to it and other infringements on civil liberties in Halifax. The discussion will focus on how citizens can be empowered to respond. 

The Halifax Civil Liberties Working Group is looking for new members to help us build an organization.

For more information, please contact us at:
civillibertieshalifax@riseup.net
civillibertieshalifax.wordpress.com

MEDIA RELEASE

HALIFAX CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUP HOLDS MEETING TO DISCUSS CONTROVERSIAL FEDERAL "ANTI-TERRORISM" BILL

Halifax (NS)
For Immediate Release

On Saturday, April 25 the Halifax Civil Liberties Working Group will hold a public meeting at the Halifax Central Library to discuss the dangers and consequences of the Harper Conservative's controversial Bill C-51. 

Also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act, Bill C-51 is currently being reviewed by the Senate and will give vast and sweeping new powers to law enforcement agencies. Critics charge that the bill will pose a grave threat to civil liberties, privacy, and the fabric of Canadian Society.

Dr. Judy Haiven, an Associate Professor of Management at the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University, speaks for the Working Group: "We know that as Canadians learn more about Bill C-51, they are increasingly opposed to it. This meeting is about learning more and galvanizing that opposition. We are joining Amnesty International, hundreds of Canadian law professors and social justice critics, trade unions and countless other groups from across the political spectrum who are saying this bill is incredibly dangerous.”

The Canadian Bar Association has agreed, stating in their submission to government that “promising public safety as an exchange for sacrificing individual liberties and democratic safeguards is not, in our view, justifiable.” 

Haiven will speak on a panel at the event, which will also include El Jones, Halifax's poet laureate, university lecturer and prisoners' rights activist and Howard Epstein, former Nova Scotia MLA and author who notes,"One of Bill C-51's worst outcomes will be to chill free speech for students, journalists, environmentalists and activists who oppose government policies or measures." 

The meeting will take place between 1-3pm in room 301 of Halifax's Central Library. It is free and open to the public.

The Halifax Civil Liberties Working Group is made up of concerned citizens who aim to create a formal civil liberties association in the near future.

This event is co-sponsored by the Radical Imagination Project, a Halifax-based research initiative based at Mount Saint Vincent University and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.