BIll C-51 My responses to questions from Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence (April 27, 2015)
First Question : Senator Mitchell: My next question would probably go to Ms. Palmater and Mr. Bennett. The bill originally had "unlawful advocacy," and I believe that's been taken out. But I also believe that it still leaves a gap, and that is to say that you can do something unlawful that is perfectly non-terrorist. In fact, the gap really is absolutely, perfectly acceptable civil disobedience within a democratic society, which is a hallmark of a democratic society, provided that you're prepared to take the consequences within the rule of law for having done that. Could you comment on that? Ms. Palmater: I'm glad you asked that question. It's a really good one. The fact that they are intending — it hasn't been passed yet, I understand — to take out the "unlawful" part does not address the whole other range of activities contemplating the disruption of the economy, for example, where a First Nation makes a very targeted strateg