FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 16, 2015

Ottawa Joins STOP BILL C-51 Canada-Wide Day of Action

Local Contact: Amy Kishek akishek@gmail.com, (613) 404-4054, Christian Legeais: (613) 276-
9102

Ottawa Day of Action Against Bill C-51

Saturday, April 18 1 pm @ Prime Ministers Office, 80 Wellington St., Ottawa (Wellington
and Elgin St.), 1:30 pm march to Byward Market, ending at U.S. Embassy, Sussex Dr. and
Clarence St.

Join with thousands of people across Canada at a demonstration and march to oppose the
governments proposed "Anti-Terrorism" legislation, Bill C-51. This proposed legislation threatens
the rights and freedoms of all Canadians, Quebeckers and First Nations people. The rally will
culminate a Week of Education (April 13-17) organized by OpenMedia.ca, an organization
dedicated to the protection of open internet and online rights, and follows a nationwide Day of
Action held March 14, 2015 attended by thousands across the country and contributing to a steep
dive in public support for the bill.

This Canada-Wide demonstration is taking place in anticipation of the legislations third reading
and final vote in the House of Commons after Parliament resumes on April 20, 2015.

Bill C-51 threatens to

Violate Charter and constitutional rights, according to hundreds of legal experts and professors in
an open letter to the public;

Turn CSIS, currently an intelligence-gathering agency, into an even more unaccountable secret
police force;

Criminalize and target those who dissent and criticize the government and its agencies, along with
those demonized by the government such as Muslims and other national minorities;

Define environmental, First Nations, labour and other activist groups as challenging the security of
Canada.; and

Much more, as highlighted by dozens of committee witnesses, experts and concerned Canadians.

On Saturday, April 18th, 2015 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, Ottawa and Gatineau residents will join more
than 30 cities in Canada to protest this bill. While concerns about the bill are diverse, Canadians
agree that it is reckless and dangerous legislation, which even if amended could be abused to
infringe on our democratic right to free speech and expression, the right to association, the
exercising of workers rights, and First Nations hereditary, treaty and constitutional rights.

The Day of Action is organized and coordinated by local activists and organizations across the
country, with participation and support from labour unions, citizens groups, First Nations
organizations, political parties, and Canadians from all walks of life.