By Joel McNally
This semester’s inaugural edition of Speaker’s Corner in MacEwan Hall was no less robust for the presence of a Member of Parliament.
Hosted by the campus New Democrats, Federal New Democrat Justice Critic Bill Blaikie came to discuss the impact of Bills C-36 and C-42. Both bills are the federal government’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11.
"We need to ask ourselves what is an appropriate response to September 11 in terms of anti-terrorist legislation," Blaikie began.
Blaikie claimed his party was the only dissenting voice in Parliament when Bill C-36 was voted through and, as such, he has pressing concerns about the possibility for abuse inherent in both it and Bill C-42.
"We’re looking at Bill C-36 in the context of the last several years during which we’ve seen a tendency to criminalize dissent," Blaikie declared. "Even before these bills, Canadians had their rights impeded so visiting dictators wouldn’t have their sensitivities disturbed."
Blaikie explained that these bills represent a threat to democracy.
"The government rarely responds to street demonstrations," he elaborated. "But we must be concerned about losing our sovereignty to global trade regulations and American anxiety."
A number of students responded enthusiastically to Blaikie.
"I like this bill better than the War Measures Act which caused a whole ethnic group to be interned," said Marie Backhaus.
"Protesters are small groups with a narrow agenda that nobody listens to," said Milan Barboza. "What has come out of tuition protests?"