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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-377

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 15, 2024
An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (need to know)
  • This bill, called Bill C-377, is an amendment to the Parliament of Canada Act. It states that if a member of the Senate or the House of Commons applies for a secret security clearance from the Government of Canada, they will be considered to need access to the information related to their application. This amendment aims to ensure that parliamentarians have sufficient access to critical information in order to hold the government accountable. The bill is available on the House of Commons website.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-377: Bill C-377, "An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (need to know)," aims to address the issue of parliamentarians' access to classified information in a standardized and consistent manner. The bill recognizes the crucial role that members of the Senate and the House of Commons play in holding the Government of Canada accountable and acknowledges the need for them to have sufficient access to critical information. One of the key principles in granting access to classified information is the "need-to-know" principle, which restricts access to individuals who pass a personnel security screening process and who require access to the information to perform their official duties. By deeming members of the Senate or the House of Commons who apply for a secret security clearance to need access to the information, the bill ensures that parliamentarians can fulfill their role effectively. In the face of threats to world peace and security, it is essential for the Government of Canada to make challenging decisions relating to national security. However, these decisions must be made in a manner that is consistent with the government's constitutional duty to be accountable to Parliament and respects the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Bill of Rights. By providing a standardized method for disclosing classified information to parliamentarians, the bill strikes a balance between national security concerns and the need for transparency and accountability. Currently, there is no standardized method in place for parliamentarians to request and obtain access to classified information relating to foreign affairs, national defense, public safety, and national security. The bill aims to address this gap and prevent ad hoc approaches, which have been used in the past, from becoming the norm. By establishing a clear process for parliamentarians to apply for a secret security clearance, the bill ensures that access to classified information is granted in a consistent and fair manner. It is important to note that the bill does not limit the powers, privileges, rights, and immunities of the Senate or the House of Commons or their members. It simply provides a framework for granting security clearances to parliamentarians who pass the personnel security screening process. This ensures that the necessary access to classified information is provided without compromising the integrity and independence of the legislative branch. In conclusion, Bill C-377 seeks to address the issue of parliamentarians' access to classified information in a standardized and consistent manner. By deeming members of the Senate or the House of Commons who apply for a secret security clearance to need access to the information, the bill ensures that parliament

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-377: While the intention behind Bill C-377 may seem reasonable, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and the broader implications for government transparency and accountability. Here are some right-wing anti-government talking points that can be used to argue against this bill: 1. Government Overreach: This bill represents yet another example of government overreach and intrusion into the private lives of individuals. Granting secret security clearances to members of Parliament without proper justification undermines the principles of limited government and individual freedom. 2. Lack of Accountability: By deeming members of Parliament to need access to classified information, this bill effectively removes the need for them to justify their access to such information. This lack of accountability opens the door for potential misuse or mishandling of sensitive information, without any checks and balances in place. 3. Potential for Abuse: Allowing members of Parliament to apply for secret security clearances without clear guidelines and oversight creates the potential for abuse. There is a risk that some members may use their access to classified information for personal gain or to advance their own political agendas, rather than for the benefit of the public. 4. Unequal Access: Granting secret security clearances to members of Parliament creates a hierarchy within the government, where some individuals have access to information that others do not. This unequal access undermines the principles of equality and fairness, as it gives certain politicians an advantage over their colleagues and potentially compromises the democratic process. 5. Burden on Taxpayers: Implementing and maintaining a system to process secret security clearances for members of Parliament would require significant resources and taxpayer funding. This burden on taxpayers cannot be justified when there are already established channels for government officials to access classified information through existing security protocols. 6. National Security Risks: Granting secret security clearances to members of Parliament without proper vetting and oversight poses potential risks to national security. There is a possibility that individuals with questionable backgrounds or allegiances could gain access to sensitive information, compromising the safety and well-being of the country. In conclusion, while the intention of Bill C-377 may be to enhance government transparency and accountability, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and the broader implications for national security and individual freedoms. This bill represents a form of government overreach and lacks the necessary checks and balances to ensure responsible handling of classified information.

House Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 01, 2024
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 12, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • Passed