The report specifically mentions that Privacy Commissioners are not empowered to the degree that they should be in order to do their jobs. It also mentions that provincial Commissioners have made strides. That bodes well for Ms. Stoddard and Co. but it may well be time to step up to the plate to take on/educate the politicians whose decisions are “decaying” the rights of Canadians at the behest of American imperialistic demands.

Can I suggest a blog entry or press release covering the Commissioner’s take on this report’s findings as it relates to current and future legislation over the next 12 months?

Rather, it falls to Canadians in all sorts of professions to stand up for privacy rights. Every Canadian should question proposals to install surveillance equipment in their neighbourhood, or to expand the collection and sharing of personal information, or a promise that a new security program will safeguard their information and their personal privacy.

At the moment, Canadians (and many others around the world) are acquiesce to requests for more security and more surveillance without questioning the need, the efficiency or the impact of these new programs.

That’s a habit we all have to change.

Considering we’re still reeling in the aftermath of the Arar case, how can Canadians, or any other sovereign country, feel secure knowing the US has access to their biometric data. Guantanamo is still open and foreigners are still subject to extraordinary rendition (disappearing for years).

Do we have problems with major International criminals and terrorists? Apparently not. And even if we did, how many innocent people will get caught in the crossfire before the authorities stand down?

Sr. Guerrero, you pointed out the American’s privacy failings in the report by Privacy International; I don’t think anyone is surprised. What about Canada’s rank? We went from green to yellow, noted as “decaying.” Sounds like someone’s not doing their job north of the 49th.