ACTION ALERT: Support privacy commissioners opposition to SPP initiative

June 29, 2007

Dear activists,

As reported in today's Globe and Mail, "Federal, provincial and territorial privacy guardians have called for suspension of the Canadian government's new no-fly list until it can be overhauled to ensure that the privacy of Canadians will be protected...They urged the federal government to refer the matter to a parliamentary committee that can hold public hearings and weigh privacy and human-rights concerns against the security provided to the travelling public."

The no-fly list is very much a Security and Prosperity Partnership initiative. The "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America Report to Leaders, August 2006" outlines 105 SPP initiatives. Initiative 93 states, "Develop, test, evaluate and implement a plan to establish comparable aviation passenger screening, and the screening of baggage and air cargo (for North America)." Under the "key milestones" with this initiative the report states, "Develop comparable standards and procedures within 24 months (June 2007) for passenger screening to increase aviation security."

Read Maude Barlow's January 2007 Toronto Star editorial "Time to review Canada's security links with U.S.: With our no-fly list set to go into effect, Ottawa is moving closer to meshing security operations with Washington, despite its poor human rights' record".

Chapter activists are encouraged to write Prime Minister Stephen Harper today at pm@pm.gc.ca telling him that you support the federal, provincial and territorial privacy commissioners, that the no-fly list should be suspended, and that a parliamentary committee should hold public hearings on this matter.

Brent Patterson, Director of Organizing and Campaigns, The Council of Canadians

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