Bill C-51 rally and march held in Halifax

More than 100 protesters turned out in Halifax Saturday afternoon for a rally against the anti-terror bill C-51.

The Halifax rally was only one of several being held across the country as Bill C-51, the anti-terrorism bill, moves its way through the House of Commons.

• Bill C-51 opposition tweeted by Margaret Atwood, Sarah Harmer

It's a bill that would give sweeping powers to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and allow federal agencies access to personal information of Canadian citizens.

Organizer Krista Simon questions that power.

"Police powers would be given to CSIS which would create a secret court and a secret judiciary. That would cause enormous problems for democracy in this country," she said.

Bill C-51 also gives police agencies more authority to monitor public events including rallies like the one on Saturday.

Helen Hammond says she has a problem with that.

"I want to be able to portray my ideals and not have to be scared," she said.

The rally began at Victoria Park, then snaked its way downtown, to Grand Parade and back, all under police escort.

A spokesperson for the minister of public safety issued a statement saying the measures in Bill C-51 protects the freedom and security of Canadians.