Canada’s largest national newspaper joins thousands seeking answers about the government’s expensive and out of control spying | OpenMedia.ca

Canada’s largest national newspaper joins thousands seeking answers about the government’s expensive and out of control spying | OpenMedia.ca

It’s been just a week since OpenMedia.ca and the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) announced a constitutional challenge to stop illegal government spying against law-abiding Canadians - and already the response from Canadians has been remarkable.

In just seven days, thousands of you from across the country have pledged to stand with the brave lawyers at the BCCLA to “uphold the constitutional right of all Canadian residents to be free from unlawful spying and intrusion by government entities”.

Word of the court challenge is spreading fast, helped along by extensive coverage in national and local media outlets, including on CBC News, The Globe and Mail, and Daily Xtra. The news also made a big splash internationally, with our own Steve Anderson being interviewed on popular cable news channel Russia Today and with articles about the case appearing on major U.S. websites including GigaOM, the Daily Dot, and The New York Times. Thanks to all of you who stood with us and helped us achieve this level of coverage.

Already we’re starting to have an impact. Late last week, the Senate held a lively debate about the activities of government spy agency CSEC, with many senators pressuring the government for greater transparency and answers about CSEC’s activities - not least the way that their spying on Brazil has undermined Canada’s relationship with a hugely important Latin American ally.