As I begin…
Dear civil libertarians,
No one replaces the irreplaceable Alan Borovoy . Nevertheless, the good work of the CCLA must go on and it is with great enthusiasm that I begin today my new functions as General Counsel.
Obviously, many things distinguish Alan Borovoy and Nathalie Des Rosiers: we were born in different provinces, in different cities, during different decades, with different genders, religious and cultural affiliations and also have different legal backgrounds. But we also have a lot in common. We share the same admiration for the staff at CCLA and the same belief in the necessity of advocating constantly and with vigilance for what CCLA stands for - for the values of fairness, of free speech and of constitutional protection for the most vulnerable.
These values were important forty years ago, and they continue to be important today. Canada continues to need the constant advocacy of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Injustice, unfairness and abuse of power unfortunately have not been completely eradicated despite the relentless efforts of Alan - our work and advocacy skills continue to be needed.
Canada would not be what it is but for the constant vigilant presence and advocacy of CCLA and of Alan Borovoy. With passion, wit and wisdom, he has strengthened our democratic tradition. We, as Canadians, owe him a lot.
As I begin as General Counsel, I want to say Thank you, Miigwech , Kuei, Arigato, Gracias …. Merci, Monsieur Borovoy.
Nathalie Des Rosiers
En commençant…
Chers amies et amis des libertés civiles,
Personne ne remplacera le légendaire Alan Borovoy. C’est donc modestement mais beaucoup d’enthousiasme que j’envisage assumer les tâches d’avocate générale de l’Association canadienne des libertés civiles.
Malgré nos différences de milieux et de langues, Alan Borovoy et moi avons plusieurs choses en commun. Nous avons tous les deux beaucoup d’admiration pour le personnel si dévoué et talentueux de l’Association et croyons fermement en la nécessité d’une organisation vouée à la défense des valeurs d’équité, de liberté et de protection constitutionnelle des personnes les plus vulnérables.
Ces valeurs étaient importantes il y a quarante ans lorsque Alan Borovoy est devenu avocat général de l’Association. Elles le sont toujours autant. Les injustices et les abus de pouvoir continuent d’exister malgré tout le bon travail accompli par Alan. Il ne faut pas arrêter d’exercer notre vigilance et d’être à l’écoute des besoins de notre société.
Le Canada a beaucoup bénéficié des efforts d’Alan Borovoy, de ses sorties passionnées, pleines de sagesse et d’humour et de ses commentaires critiques et toujours si pertinents sur les politiques canadiennes. Alan Borovoy nous a donné des réflexes de justice et de liberté et lui en sommes tous reconnaissants.
Au nom de vos concitoyens, je vous dis donc merci, Monsieur Borovoy.
Nathalie Des Rosiers
Borovoy Tribute Dinner Clip
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Purchase a DVD of the entire event for only $25.00. To order, email csmith@ccla.org.
CCLA Urges SIRC Review of Harkat Case
On June 4, 2009 the Canadian Civil Liberties Association wrote to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety to seek a timely Security Intelligence Review Committee investigation of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s conduct in the Mohamed Harkat case. CCLA’s letter followed recent revelations that CSIS failed to disclose important information concerning the reliability of an informant in this case, provoking apprehensions that Mr. Harkat’s liberty may have been unwarrantedly curtailed for more than 6 years. In CCLA’s view, these developments necessitate a thorough and public accounting of CSIS’ conduct in relation to Mr. Harkat. Anything less will result in further erosion of public confidence in Canada’s national security apparatus.
To read CCLA’s letter to the Minister of Public Safety click here.
CCLA Newsnotes, Spring 2009
In this issue:
- Top Court trashes privacy case
- Activist wins apology, lifting of ban
- Gov’t plans mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes
- CCLA rebukes universities
- Walmart attacked for store closing
- Cornwall posts “drug warrant” lawn signs
- “Enhanced” Driver’s Licenses decried
- Borovoy roasted at Tribute Dinner