Two former judges join NDP to oppose controversial Bill C-51

 Bill Sundhu speaking at a rally in Kamloops.
Bill Sundhu speaking at a rally in Kamloops.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair continued his tour in Vancouver on Thursday along with two former judges, who will be candidates at this year’s federal election, all voicing opposition to the dangerous and controversial Bill C-51.

“Terrorism is a real threat and we need to fight it in a responsible and effective manner. However, Bill C-51 is too vague, goes too far, and will undermine the rights and freedoms of Canadians,” said Mulcair.

“I couldn’t just stay on the sidelines anymore. During my career as a judge, I presided over many difficult cases, and I always made sure that anyone with something to say was able to say it. This is fundamental principle of Canadian justice, and it’s under threat from Bill C-51,” said Carol Baird Ellan (Burnaby North-Seymour).

Baird Ellan had a 20-year career as a judge on the Provincial Court of BC. She was also the first woman to be appointed Chief Judge of the BC Provincial Court.

“People are right to be concerned about this. They are worried about the Conservatives sacrificing our rights and freedoms in the name of security. This is not a real choice. We can have both,” added Bill Sundhu (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo).

Sundhu served as a judge at the B.C. Provincial Court, continues to practice as a human rights lawyer, and is on the List of Counsel at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He also serves on the Canadian Bar Association committee studying C51 and has helped draft a submission the CBA will be presenting to parliament.

“I am very proud of the quality of our candidates for the upcoming election. With Carol and Bill on our team, the choice we’re offering to Canadians is clear – you have the option of a principled, experienced team to replace Stephen Harper,” said Mulcair.