It’s ironic that governments always declare that we have to give up some of those very freedoms that our ancestors fought to protect in past wars. In the name of national security, you appear to be able to justify just about anything. Freedoms, like to freedom of association are also being watered down by recent government actions. The right to unlawful search and seizure has also been compromised both in Canada and the U.S. by recent government actions. In Canada, the authorities now have the ability to seize cell phones, tablets and other personal electronic devises without a warrant if a person is arrested for an alleged crime.
In both countries, various governments have moved to take away the right to strike from public sector unions during collective bargaining. Given that the public sector is the last bastion of unionization, such government actions will further diminish the ability to collectively bargain for better working conditions and compensation. Fortunately, some courts have and will rule that such prohibitions affect our freedom of association.
Just the other day, a young female student in the province of Quebec was stripped searched by the school’s principle on suspicion of possessing or selling drugs in the school. This was done without the presence of her parents or the police. Indeed, such searches were openly applauded and defended by a number of Quebec politicians. I can only hope that such a denial of basic rights never happens to a child of their own.
The Canadian government’s most recent proposed anti-terrorism legislation would allow the authorities greater powers to search, seize and share personal information all in the name of national security. As was the case in the U.S. after 9/11, our spy agencies will have increased powers to monitor our every move, physically or electronically. Civilian oversight of the monitors appears to be weak, and should be of great concern to those who value their privacy and freedom of expression.
Sometimes, individual rights and considerations have to be adjusted for the good of the collectivity and society as a whole. However, when the impact on basic freedoms is so great as to erode their effective value and respect, it’s time to take a step back and consider the real consequences. Just how much power do we want to give to Big Brother as a free and democratic society? How many freedoms are you willing to have watered down?
FROLITICKS 