Acting for freedom : fifty years of civil liberties in Canada

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association celebrates its fiftieth anniversary with this overview of its activities—sometimes quiet and sometimes strident—as a watchdog and safeguard for Canadians and their rights as citizens. Through a series of discussions and interviews, a picture of Canada over the last half-century evolves. From the Charter of Freedoms to life and death matters such as abortion and the death penalty through to public security vs. the right to privacy, and a look forward into issues concerning the next fifty years, comes a picture of Canadian society, past and present. This is a fascinating look at civil rights, of which many Canadians may be unaware or take for granted—until they are needed on a personal level. Illustrated with political cartoons and photographs. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has been Canadas leading national organization dedicated to the defence of rights and freedoms for the last fifty years. From life-and-death matters such as abortion and the death penalty, to free speech and censorship, to public security vs. the right to privacy, the CCLA is the watchdog for our fundamental freedoms. CCLAs battles often begin with an indignity against one person. Should a schoolgirl be forced to choose between wearing a political T-shirt or leaving the classroom? Why cant a dark-skinned man find a place to stay in a city full of empty apartments? And just as often, CCLA tackles large-scale issues, such as the suspension of citizens rights during the October Crisis and how todays technologies for mass surveillance can make everyone a suspect. For five decades the Canadian Civil Liberties Association has acted to protect the democratic rights of which Canadians are so proud. Despite the hard-won victories of the past, the work is not over. CCLA is confronting new threats to our freedoms every day. This book tells its extraordinary story. Civil rights dont just apply at certain times or only to certain people but apply always and to all. from the Foreword by Joseph Boyden