Going dark
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- Published on Thursday, 23 June 2016 11:15
- Written by editor
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Good morning everyone,
We're working on something interesting, and frankly quite weird...
You may remember that in October of 2013 the BCCLA filed a lawsuit against the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) calling on the government to state clearly who they are watching and what is being collected.
For more than two years now the government has dragged its feet, providing HEAVILY redacted documents to our lawyers and arguing that Canadians can't know what our own communications intelligence agency is doing.
We don't think that's an acceptable answer.
#StopIllegalSpying
Today and tomorrow, BCCLA pro bono lawyers will appear before the Federal Court to argue that Canadians have a right to know.
Follow along as BCCLA Legal Interns Susan and Debra live tweet from the hearings at #StopIllegalSpying
Going dark: the wild world of national security law
After this week's hearings, the BCCLA's case will 'go dark'. This means the trial will occur in a secret location, with secret evidence, and only a handful of Canadian lawyers with a special security clearance can ever appear before this court.
Only Amicus Curiae John Norris will be there to represent the BCCLA, and all the public's interest, before the secret court.
John will have to convince the secret court judge that Canadians have a right to know what's in those redacted documents. The documents that are released will form the basis of evidence in the BCCLA's upcoming public case to stop illegal spying.
Opening the black box
Breaking open the black box of national security is no small job. We've been working on this case for two years now, and it is likely to be a few more until we receive a resolution.
We will continue to fight for the privacy rights of Canadians, and the transparency obligations of our government. We'll keep you updated as more happens, and you can learn more now on our website.
Thanks,
Charlotte Kingston, Director of Community Engagement,
and the entire BCCLA team
r0
