Young voters, NDP candidates rally at Bill C-51 protest

Dozensgathered on Saturday at Toronto's Queen's Park to protest Bill C-51, Canada's controversial anti-terrorism bill that was passed by the House of Commons in May.

• C-51, controversial anti-terrorism bill, is now law. So, what changes?

• Bill C-51 passes in House of Commons

The legislation gives the Canadian Security Intelligence Service more power to thwart suspected terrorist plots not just gather information about them.It also increases the exchange of federal security information, broadens no-fly list powers and creates a new criminal offence forencouraging someone to carry out a terrorist attack.

"People feel like they are under direct assault by the government, by police interference, by an overarching surveillance state," saidMattCurrie, the event's organizer.

Young voters galvanized

Political analysts and protesters say Bill C-51has become a key issue for Canada's youth during this election.

"Young peopleare realizing that their online home, where they do their socializing, all of their lives, is now under direct threat from the government," said Currie, 24.

And asa demographic that typically doesn'tturn out for electionsin the same numbersas older voters, analysts say thecontroversy surrounding Bill C-51 could be a boon for Canada's opposition parties.

"Younger voters,those in the group 18-34, are massively in opposition to the bill, and they are voters who tend to be supporting the NDP and the Liberal party," saidFuyukiKurasawa, anassociate professor of sociology atYork University.

Protesters say they are aware young people are a less reliable source of votes, but the changes introduced by Bill C-51 have caused many to become more active.

"Yes, there's voter apathy among youth," said protesterDrewGarvie. "But there's also a lot of political activity and opposition, andBillC-51hasbeen one of these outlets."

NDP candidates join protest

Toronto-area NDP candidatesOliviaChow,Andrew Cash,Peggy NashandJennifer Hollett also attended the rally.

"In the age of social media, you want to know that everything is protected, is private," said Chow.

The NDP has said it will scrap C-51 if it forms government after the election.

• Tom Mulcair says NDP will oppose anti-terrorism bill C-51

"In 37 days, the dangerousC-51will be toast," Chow added.

The party is also collecting signatures for an online petition to repeal the bill.