NDP wants privacy, security experts to probe warrantless data gathering

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus is warning the government to expect a backlash from Canadians if the Conservativesforce through new legislation critics say will hurt privacy rights.

Angus, who is his party's ethics critic, and NDP justice criticFranoiseBoivincalled Mondayfor a group of independent experts to investigatewarrantlessdata collection by the federal government.

The Official Opposition says it also wants the group torecommend ways to ensure the privacy of Canadians is protected in the digital era.

Angus andBoivinsaid they were relieved when a previous bill, C-30, was withdrawn, but the government has simply resurrected the same measures in a newcybercrimebill.

In 2012, then-public safety minister VicToewstold an opposition MP that he could stand with the government"orwith the child pornographers."

Angus says the Conservatives "take the attitude that if you challenge them, you're somehow on the side of child pornographers."

"We saw how Canadians rose up against VicToewsand hisbelligerentattitude. It's like the ghost of VicToewsis back. And I would warn the government, Canadians have already spoken clearly on this once ... They will speak again if you keep pushing them."

'Overreaching' powers

Two government bills being reviewed by Parliament would change the laws affecting the privacy of Canadians.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay's cybercrime bill, C-13, has already drawn controversy. The bill, which the government says is meant to prevent cyberbullying, wouldentrench in law some of the warrantless surveillance practices already used by police.

The digital privacy act, S-4, would update thefederal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act toallow organizations to disclose personal information of subscribers or customers without a court order.

Privacy watchdog groups raised their concerns about potential privacy breaches withbills now before Parliament.

Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukianhas said the cybercrime bill has "overreaching surveillance powers."