Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I appreciate the witnesses coming forward and taking time to share their perspectives on this important bill.
I think it's important to consider what the bill says about activities that undermine the security of Canada. Clearly, we want to continue to secure our country as a peaceful place, a free place, and a place where privacy rights are protected as well.
The activities that undermine the security of Canada are listed in the bill in clause 2. There are nine of them, and I just want to read them because I'm going to ask a question about that.
First of all, there is activity that is:
(a) interference with the capability of the Government of Canada in relation to intelligence, defence, border operations, public safety, the administration of justice, diplomatic or consular relations, or the economic or financial stability of Canada;
Number two is:
(b) changing or unduly influencing a government in Canada by force or unlawful means;
Number three is the activity of:
(c) espionage, sabotage or covert foreign-influenced activities;
Number four is terrorism, and number five is:
(e) proliferation of nuclear, chemical, radiological or biological weapons;
Next is:
(f) interference with critical infrastructure;
Next is:
(g) interference with the global information infrastructure...;
Number eight is:
(h) an activity that causes serious harm to a person or their property because of that person’s association with Canada; and
Number nine is:
(i) an activity that takes place in Canada and undermines the security of another state.
The clause goes on to say:
For greater certainty, it does not include lawful advocacy, protest, dissent and artistic expression.
Now, we want to get this right because we are facing a real and present danger. We know that jihadi terrorists have declared war on Canada. They've specifically targeted Canada. They've urged their supporters to attack “disbelieving” Canadians “in any manner”, and they vow that we should not feel secure even in our own homes.
I'm sure that all of us, regardless of our perspective on this bill, would not want those threats to be carried out.
I will start with you, Inspector Irwin. Do you believe that any of the activities that are listed in this bill would lead to activists, such as Ms. Palmater, being targeted by the activities of our security forces under clause 2 of the bill and the nine activities I have just read?
It's a tough one, I know.