The Coalition Justice for Adil Charkaoui calls on all allies and supporters to join us in forming a strong contingent against racist immigration 'security' measures on Sunday, 4 May in the Solidarity Across Borders "Status for All!" march.

Sunday, 4 May 2008, 12:30pm

Gathering point: corner of Victoria and Van Horne (metro Plamondon, Van Horne exit)

To join the Justice for Adil contingent, look for the "Solidarity is our Security! Abolish racist (in)security certificates!" banner! 

Download flyer here.

Please write letters to the editor, post online, or call into radio shows into the various media outlets that are covering the introduction of the new security certificate. We strongly urge and stress to supporters the importance of voicing your opinion on this issue and adding your thoughts to the debate. Although it may seem futile given the biases that have been clearly stated by various media outlets, it is still absolutely crucial for us to enter this public debate and discourse at this time.

• See below for media contact information.
• Analysis of C-3.

Media contact information:

We have just learned that the new security certificate legislation not only passed House of Commons today, but has passed through First Reading in Senate. Apparently they have decided to fast-track in Senate. So this makes this appeal URGENT!

Be one of the organizations, individuals, unions and faith-groups across Canada requesting an appearance before the Senate committee scheduled to discuss new secret trials legislation

WHO: You, an organization or an individual, concerned that there is new "security certificate" legislation that will continue the scheme of secret hearings, two-tier justice, indefinite detention without charge, draconian house arrest, and deportation to torture.

Adil Charkaoui (l) and Sheikh Salam Elmenyawi (r), President of the Muslim Council of Montreal, speaking at a rally outside the Supreme Court, 31 January

Call from the Justice for Mohamed Harkat Committee

The final vote in parliament on the "new" Security Certificate legislation (Bill C-3), has not yet taken place. If Bill C-3 is voted through Parliament, it will go to the Senate where it will undergo the same process as in Parliament (first and second readings followed by hearings in front of a committee, report stage, and a final vote). Regardless of whether or not the new law on Security Certificates is in place, the Supreme Court decision, suspended for one year, will come into effect on February 23rd and the old Security Certificate legislation will be defunct.

Over the past months, federal MPs' offices have received many calls from all over the country, with many even receiving visits from delegations.

We ask that you continue to call your MPs until they assure you that they will vote against Bill C-3.

No to security certificates, No to C-3!
End CSIS criminalization, profiling and harassment of refugees and immigrants!

Thursday, 31 January, 12:15pm
Rally in front of the Supreme Court (301 Wellington Street), Ottawa

**Reserve your seat on bus from Montreal now (details below)!**

Download flyers.

Just as it was recently discovered that the CIA destroyed records, it was revealed in 2005 that CSIS destroyed evidence in the file of security certificate detainee Adil Charkaoui. On January 31st, Charkaoui will be challenging the legality of the destruction of evidence in his file by CSIS at the Supreme Court.

Secret Trials Bill Stalled in House !

UPDATE AND CALL TO ACTION

The final Parliamentary vote on the "new" security certificate process, Bill C-3, expected to take place earlier this week, was postponed at the 11th hour, and will not be considered until the week of January 28, 2008.

Congratulations to everyone who marched, participated in community delegations, sent emails or phoned MPs - together, we have won the first round in the fight against new security certificate legislation! But there is still much to do.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE STALLS THE BILL!

The final Parliamentary vote on C-3 is now expected to take place on Thursday (today). The Bloc and NDP will vote against. Liberal spokesperson Ujjal Dosanjh has said his party will vote for. If it passes Parliament, the law will go to Senate.

Certain Liberals may be open to voting against the unjust and unconstitutional law, so please make an effort to make a few last minute telephone calls to urge them to vote against C-3, and to ask them to speak to others in the party.

Below: list of priority MPs; model letter/talking points; link to a backgrounder.

:::PRIORITY MPs:::

If your MP is not liberal, you could focus on:

Omar Alghabra AlghaO@parl.gc.ca (613) 995-7321
Sue Barnes barneS@parl.gc.ca 613-996-6674
Colleen Beaumier beaumC@parl.gc.ca 613-995-5381
Bonnie Brown BrownB@parl.gc.ca  613-995-4014

Community delegations visited the offices of 16 members of Parliament throughout the island of Montreal on Friday, 7 December. Around fifty people - individuals as well as members of groups like Solidarity across Borders, the Immigrant Workers Centre, le Comité BAIL, CEGEP St-Laurent and McGill student groups, Palestinian and Jewish Unity, the Centre for Philippine Concerns and others - took part in the day of action to urge MPs to vote against new security certificate legislation, which the Conservative government is currently ramming through Parliament at a pace allowing for no discussion or opposition. Similar delegations also took place in Sudbury, Peterborough, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa.