Canadian Association of University Teachers

 
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Issues & Campaigns

Civil Liberties

In the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, new laws and government initiatives have placed far-reaching powers in the hands of police, security intelligence agencies, customs and immigration officials, and other authorities. These new powers have been introduced with little public awareness of their impact on civil liberties and human rights.

Where we stand

Since its founding in 1951, CAUT has been a tireless defender of academic freedom. Today, we recognize that academic freedom can only be exercised when basic civil liberties are protected and respected. As an active member of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, CAUT monitors and campaigns against legislation and measures that infringe upon the civil liberties and rights of Canadians.

Resources

CAUT Statements and Letters
Urgent Action Appeal: Ask Federal MPs to vote against Bill S-7 (Feb 2013)
Letter calls on Prime Minister Harper to reverse decision to suspend diplomatic ties with Iran (Sept 2012)
Letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the government's abolition of the long-gun registry (Dec 2011)
Letter to the Hon. Lawrence Cannon urging him to comply with June 4, 2009 Federal Court order to make travel arrangements before June 19 to bring Abousfian Abdelrazik home (Jun 2009)
Letter to the Hon. Lawrence Cannon following up on the June 4th, 2009 Federal Court order to bring Abousfian Abdelrazik home (Jun 2009)
Letter to the Hon. Lawrence Cannon to ensure the immediate and safe repatriation of Abousfian Abdelrazik (May 2009)
Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin on disclosure in the Arar Inquiry (Dec 2004)
Letter to Senators expressing concerns over Bill C-7: Public Safety Act (Mar 2004)
Letter to Prime Minister Martin calling for a public inquiry into the case of Arar (Jan 2004)
Letter requesting a public inquiry into the case of Arar (Nov 2003)
   
Publications and Briefs
Travelling to the United States: Your Rights at the Border (Travel Advisory, Jun 2005)
Submission to the House of Commons Subcommittee on Public Safety and National Security (Feb 2005)
Civil Liberties, Human Rights and Canada's New National Security Legislation: CAUT Analysis (Mar 2003)