Last summer, Parliament passed Bill C-51. While the bill was dubbed the “Anti-terrorism Act,” it drew widespread criticism by opposition parties for giving expanded powers to the government and CSIS to monitor, share and collect information about Canadians without consent or court order. Critics point out that these powers could be used to target anyone that criticizes the government or its policies, such as environmentalists or aboriginal groups.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) are also aware of the issues this bill could create for members of the press, should they write something critical of government policy or repeatedly question them on it. The organization launched a Charter challenge to the bill last year, and is now turning to the public, encouraging people to let the government know they support the challenge. These print ads, by Juniper Park\TBWA, try to convey the feeling of being watched at home, work or even on the street to show how things you thought were private can now be seen (and used against you).
They’ve also launched a website where Canadians can take a photo of themselves in the style of the ads to share on social media, both to let friends and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (who endorsed the bill as Liberal party leader before being elected PM) they don’t like being watched.
